Neogalerucella pusilla
This record describes Neogalerucella pusilla (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
usually pale, with dark spots on vertex and shoulders. less frequently with pattern like N. calmariensis . safe recognition (and separation from native species) by male genitalia. introduced to combat the invasive Lythrum weeds ( 3 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Galerucini
- Genus
- Neogalerucella (Purple Loosestrife Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to, and widespread in the Palaearctic (Europe to China), introduced to NA and now established across Canada & n. US
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: Lythrum salicaria
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Neogalerucella pusilla (Duftschmid 1825)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Neogalerucella pusilla. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Neogalerucella pusilla
What is Neogalerucella pusilla?
Neogalerucella pusilla is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Neogalerucella pusilla?
usually pale, with dark spots on vertex and shoulders. less frequently with pattern like N. calmariensis . safe recognition (and separation from native species) by male genitalia.
Where is Neogalerucella pusilla found?
Range: native to, and widespread in the Palaearctic (Europe to China), introduced to NA and now established across Canada & n. US
What does Neogalerucella pusilla eat?
The diet of the Neogalerucella pusilla includes host: Lythrum salicaria.