Strawberry Rootworm
Paria fragariae-complex
This record describes Paria fragariae-complex (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
one named subspecies, P. f. kirki Balsbaugh 1970, known from AL, MD, NC, NY, PA, SC, TN Before the description of this species, it was often identified as P. canella (Fabricius) or P. quadrinotata (Say)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Eumolpinae
- Tribe
- Typophorini
- Genus
- Paria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA, Calif. (QC-FL to ON-ND, CA) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: Rosaceae (reported from Fragaria, Malus coronaria, Malus sylvestris, Prunus persica, Rosa, Rubus, Sorbus ( 3 ) ; reported as a pest to containerized azaleas in production nurseries ( Boyd & Hesselein 2005 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Paria fragariae Wilcox 1954
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Paria fragariae-complex. 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 Strawberry Rootworm (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Beatriz Moisset , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Rootworm
What is Strawberry Rootworm?
Strawberry Rootworm (Paria fragariae-complex) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Strawberry Rootworm?
3 mm
Where is Strawberry Rootworm found?
Range: e. NA, Calif. (QC-FL to ON-ND, CA) - Map
What does Strawberry Rootworm eat?
The diet of the Strawberry Rootworm includes Hosts: Rosaceae (reported from Fragaria, Malus coronaria, Malus sylvestris, Prunus persica, Rosa, Rubus, Sorbus ( 3 ) ; reported as a pest to containerized azaleas in production nurseries ( Boyd & Hesselein 2005 ).