Oulema obscura
This record describes Oulema obscura (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A small (3 to 4 mm) beetle. It is greeny black in colour; the elytra have studded rows running down their length. Lema cyanella is similar but distinguished by having the pronotum constriction near the middle and not near the base as in Oulema . Amongst cereal crops and in grassy places. Both the adult beetle and its larvae feed on grass and cereal leaves, chewing them to only the skeleton remains. It can be an agricultural pest. Quite common and widespread throughout Britain, particularly in England and Wales.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Chrysomelidae
- Genus
- Oulema
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Amongst cereal crops and in grassy places.
Seasonal Activity
Most often seen in spring and summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Both the adult beetle and its larvae feed on grass and cereal leaves, chewing them to only the skeleton remains. It can be an agricultural pest.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Quite common and widespread throughout Britain, particularly in England and Wales.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Oulema obscura. 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 obscura (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Oulema obscura
What is Oulema obscura?
Oulema obscura is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Oulema obscura found?
Habitat: Amongst cereal crops and in grassy places.
When is Oulema obscura active?
Oulema obscura: seasonal activity - Most often seen in spring and summer..
What is the life cycle of a Oulema obscura?
Both the adult beetle and its larvae feed on grass and cereal leaves, chewing them to only the skeleton remains. It can be an agricultural pest.