Odontota scapularis
This record describes Odontota scapularis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
femoral base orange Det. E. G. Riley
Identification notes
femoral base orange Det. E. G. Riley
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cassidinae
- Tribe
- Chalepini
- Genus
- Odontota
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e US (ON-FL to MN-eTX) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host is normally Groundnut ( Apios americana ), but adults also found on a few other Fabaceae ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Odontota scapularis (Olivier 1808)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Odontota scapularis. 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 Odontota scapularis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Odontota scapularis
What is Odontota scapularis?
Odontota scapularis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Odontota scapularis?
femoral base orange Det. E. G. Riley
Where is Odontota scapularis found?
Range: e US (ON-FL to MN-eTX) - Map
What does Odontota scapularis eat?
The diet of the Odontota scapularis includes host is normally Groundnut ( Apios americana ), but adults also found on a few other Fabaceae ( 3 ).