Octotoma plicatula
This record describes Octotoma plicatula (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2014
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
e. US to c. TX (TX-FL-PA-IA) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) (only sp. e. of TX)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: adults and larvae asso. w/ trumpet creeper ( Campsis radiacans , Bignoniaceae); adults also asso. w/ Fraxinus and other Oleaceae spp. ( 5 )
Life History
larvae are leaf miners of trumpet creeper Campsis radiacans
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: plicatula (L). 'folded'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Octotoma plicatula. 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 plicatula (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Octotoma plicatula
How big is Octotoma plicatula?
length: 4.6-5.3 mm
How do you identify Octotoma plicatula?
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2014
Where is Octotoma plicatula found?
Range: e. US to c. TX (TX-FL-PA-IA) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) (only sp. e. of TX)
What does Octotoma plicatula eat?
The diet of the Octotoma plicatula includes adults and larvae asso. w/ trumpet creeper ( Campsis radiacans , Bignoniaceae); adults also asso. w/ Fraxinus and other Oleaceae spp. ( 5 ).
What is the life cycle of a Octotoma plicatula?
larvae are leaf miners of trumpet creeper Campsis radiacans