Oulema longipennis
This record describes Oulema longipennis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Thorax reddish, very rarely with dark spots. Remainder of body black, elytra usually with bluish tint.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Criocerinae
- Tribe
- Lemini
- Genus
- Oulema
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
TX-CO-MI-MO State/Province Records:
Diet and Behavior
Diet: asso. w/ spiderwort ( Tradescantia ). ( 3 ) In Wisconsin, it was found feeding on flower buds of Tradescantia ohiensis . ( 3 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Oulema longipennis. 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 Oulema longipennis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Oulema longipennis
What is Oulema longipennis?
Oulema longipennis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Oulema longipennis?
4.5 to 6.3 mm
How do you identify Oulema longipennis?
Thorax reddish, very rarely with dark spots. Remainder of body black, elytra usually with bluish tint.
Where is Oulema longipennis found?
Range: TX-CO-MI-MO State/Province Records:
What does Oulema longipennis eat?
The diet of the Oulema longipennis includes asso. w/ spiderwort ( Tradescantia ). ( 3 ) In Wisconsin, it was found feeding on flower buds of Tradescantia ohiensis . ( 3 ).