Neolochmaea obliterata
This record describes Neolochmaea obliterata (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
From Galerucinae: hind femur not abnormally broad and adapted for jumping; tarsal claws simple, or bifid with inner lobe comparatively narrow and pointed; procoxal cavities closed behind; tarsomere 1 about as long as 5; external surface of tibiae with ridge extending most of length; Elytra densely pubescent, disc brown with narrow, pale discal vittae; front and middle tibiae of male each with a short, stout spur, but hind tibiae lacking spurs and female lacking spurs in all tibiae; pronotum about 2 times as long as wide; base of pronotum not strongly sinuate posteriorly; antennal segments 3 and 4 about the same length, maybe segment 4 slightly longer ( 4 ) (White 1979) Det. Tyler Hedlund, 2021 First found in our area near Miami in 1975
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Galerucini
- Genus
- Neolochmaea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
most common in coastal habitats
Geographic Range
recent immigrant to N. Amer, est. FL penninsula / W. Indies / C. & S. Amer. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Known to feed on the Everglades Key false buttonweed ( Spermacoce [=Borreria] terminalis , and shrubby false buttonweed S. verticillata , Rubiaceae)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Neolochmaea obliterata. 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 Neolochmaea obliterata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Beatriz Moisset; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Deczynski , v belov , Arturo Santos
Frequently Asked Questions About Neolochmaea obliterata
What is Neolochmaea obliterata?
Neolochmaea obliterata is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Neolochmaea obliterata?
5.5‒7.6 mm
How do you identify Neolochmaea obliterata?
From Galerucinae: hind femur not abnormally broad and adapted for jumping; tarsal claws simple, or bifid with inner lobe comparatively narrow and pointed; procoxal cavities closed behind; tarsomere 1 about as long as 5; external surface of tibiae with ridge extending most of length; Elytra densely pubescent, disc brown with narrow, pale discal vittae; front and middle tibiae of male each with a short, stout spur, but hind tibiae lacking spurs and female lacking spurs in all tibiae; pronotum about 2 times as long as wide; base of pronotum not strongly sinuate posteriorly; antennal segments 3 and 4 about the same length, maybe segment 4 slightly longer ( 4 ) (White 1979) Det. Tyler Hedlund, 2021
Where is Neolochmaea obliterata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | most common in coastal habitats |
| Range | recent immigrant to N. Amer, est. FL penninsula / W. Indies / C. & S. Amer. - Map |
What does Neolochmaea obliterata eat?
The diet of the Neolochmaea obliterata includes Known to feed on the Everglades Key false buttonweed ( Spermacoce [=Borreria] terminalis , and shrubby false buttonweed S. verticillata , Rubiaceae).