Octotoma championi
This record describes Octotoma championi (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Introduced into Australia for the control of Lantana
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cassidinae
- Tribe
- Chalepini
- Genus
- Octotoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Sabal Palm Sanctuary), south to Panama - Map
Seasonal Activity
Texas collecting events by month: March (5), May (4), October (4). ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae and adults feed on Lantana camara & other Lantana spp. ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Octotoma championi Baly 1886
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Octotoma championi. 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 Octotoma championi (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Octotoma championi
What is Octotoma championi?
Octotoma championi is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Octotoma championi?
length 4.3-5.3 mm (avg. 4.7)
Where is Octotoma championi found?
Range: southmost TX (Sabal Palm Sanctuary), south to Panama - Map
What does Octotoma championi eat?
The diet of the Octotoma championi includes Larvae and adults feed on Lantana camara & other Lantana spp. ( 5 ).
When is Octotoma championi active?
Octotoma championi: seasonal activity - Texas collecting events by month: March (5), May (4), October (4). ( 4 ).