Ophraella americana
This record describes Ophraella americana (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
generally more oval than most of its congeners, mid-elytral stripe generally straight, subsutural line also straight but faint Det. E. G. Riley, 2010 uncommon
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Galerucini
- Genus
- Ophraella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Rockies, east (AZ-FL-QC-AB) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: goldenrod ( Solidago spp., Asteraceae), including Solidago rugosa , plus var. other Asteraceae ( 3 )
Life History
see
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ophraella americana. 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 Ophraella americana (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Ophraella americana
What is Ophraella americana?
Ophraella americana is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Ophraella americana?
generally more oval than most of its congeners, mid-elytral stripe generally straight, subsutural line also straight but faint Det. E. G. Riley, 2010
Where is Ophraella americana found?
Range: Rockies, east (AZ-FL-QC-AB) - Map
What does Ophraella americana eat?
The diet of the Ophraella americana includes Hosts: goldenrod ( Solidago spp., Asteraceae), including Solidago rugosa , plus var. other Asteraceae ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Ophraella americana?
see