Neohaemonia melsheimeri
This record describes Neohaemonia melsheimeri (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
distinguished from other members of the genus by the presence of oblique, impressed, usually darkened bands on either side of the midline of the pronotum, as well as its small size. (Lapierre et al. 2019)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Donaciinae
- Tribe
- Plateumarini
- Genus
- Neohaemonia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
ne N. Amer. (QC-AB to VA-IA) (Lapierre et al. 2019)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: pondweed ( Potamogeton , Potamogetonaceae) (Askevold 1988) (Lapierre et al. 2019)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Neohaemonia melsheimeri. 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.
Photos of Neohaemonia melsheimeri (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Neohaemonia melsheimeri
What is Neohaemonia melsheimeri?
Neohaemonia melsheimeri is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Neohaemonia melsheimeri?
length = 4.7–5.3 mm (Lapierre et al. 2019)
How do you identify Neohaemonia melsheimeri?
distinguished from other members of the genus by the presence of oblique, impressed, usually darkened bands on either side of the midline of the pronotum, as well as its small size. (Lapierre et al. 2019)
Where is Neohaemonia melsheimeri found?
Range: ne N. Amer. (QC-AB to VA-IA) (Lapierre et al. 2019)
What does Neohaemonia melsheimeri eat?
The diet of the Neohaemonia melsheimeri includes pondweed ( Potamogeton , Potamogetonaceae) (Askevold 1988) (Lapierre et al. 2019).