Omophoita albicollis
This record describes Omophoita albicollis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Median spot on each elytron oblique and linear - Doris Blake This probably is not O. cyanipennis , but a new record for U.S. It seems identical with e.g. https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/431771 from the Caribbean, which is distinguished by comma-shaped central spots and not purely black basic colour of elytra. - Boris Büche The southern FL population shows isolated from the O. cyanipennis range (TX - MEX; blue ssp: Caribbean). Third pair of spots comma-shaped (quite constantly). - Boris Büche
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Omophoita
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
adventitious (since 2019) to s. FL (Miami-Dade to Palm Beach Co.) - Map , Native to the Caribbean to South America
Diet and Behavior
Diet: on Blue Porterweed ( Stachytarpheta jamaicensis , Verbenaceae) (BG data), a pantropic weed
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Omophoita albicollis (Fabricius 1787)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Omophoita albicollis. 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 Omophoita albicollis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Omophoita albicollis
What is Omophoita albicollis?
Omophoita albicollis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Omophoita albicollis?
Median spot on each elytron oblique and linear - Doris Blake
Where is Omophoita albicollis found?
Range: adventitious (since 2019) to s. FL (Miami-Dade to Palm Beach Co.) - Map , Native to the Caribbean to South America
What does Omophoita albicollis eat?
The diet of the Omophoita albicollis includes on Blue Porterweed ( Stachytarpheta jamaicensis , Verbenaceae) (BG data), a pantropic weed.