Eight-spotted Flea Beetle
Omophoita cyanipennis
This record describes Omophoita cyanipennis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2010
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
Habitat
can be common along wetland margins (MAQ, pers. obs.)
Geographic Range
Ok to nw S. Amer. / W. Indies - Map , plus literature records for AZ, KS, FL
Seasonal Activity
Feb-Dec in TX (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Polyphagous including: cabbage (Brassicaceae); beet (Chenopodiaceae); watermelon (Cucurbitaceae); alfalfa, field pea, mesquite (Fabaceae); lavender (Lamiaceae); corn (Poaceae), and potato (Solanaceae). (Mignot 1970) ( 3 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Omophoita cyanipennis. 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 Eight-spotted Flea Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by tom murray , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Eight-spotted Flea Beetle
How do you identify Eight-spotted Flea Beetle?
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2010
Where is Eight-spotted Flea Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | can be common along wetland margins (MAQ, pers. obs.) |
| Range | Ok to nw S. Amer. / W. Indies - Map , plus literature records for AZ, KS, FL |
What does Eight-spotted Flea Beetle eat?
The diet of the Eight-spotted Flea Beetle includes Polyphagous including: cabbage (Brassicaceae); beet (Chenopodiaceae); watermelon (Cucurbitaceae); alfalfa, field pea, mesquite (Fabaceae); lavender (Lamiaceae); corn (Poaceae), and potato (Solanaceae). (Mignot 1970) ( 3 ).
When is Eight-spotted Flea Beetle active?
Eight-spotted Flea Beetle: seasonal activity - Feb-Dec in TX (BG data).