Odontota signaticollis
This record describes Odontota signaticollis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The dark metallic greenish blue elytra trimmed with red and the pair of faint orange spots on the otherwise dark pronotum are diagnostic.
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
AZ (Greenlee Co.), NM (Catron Co.) / s. to Puebla, Mex.
Seasonal Activity
July in US / Jun-Aug in Mex
Diet and Behavior
Diet: reported as a leaf miner in “frijoles” ( Phaseolus sp., Fabaceae)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Odontota signaticollis. 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 signaticollis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Odontota signaticollis
What is Odontota signaticollis?
Odontota signaticollis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Odontota signaticollis?
The dark metallic greenish blue elytra trimmed with red and the pair of faint orange spots on the otherwise dark pronotum are diagnostic.
Where is Odontota signaticollis found?
Range: AZ (Greenlee Co.), NM (Catron Co.) / s. to Puebla, Mex.
What does Odontota signaticollis eat?
The diet of the Odontota signaticollis includes reported as a leaf miner in frijoles ( Phaseolus sp., Fabaceae).
When is Odontota signaticollis active?
Odontota signaticollis: seasonal activity - July in US / Jun-Aug in Mex.