Pentispa sallaei
This record describes Pentispa sallaei (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
November 2019, adults found grazing the upper leaf surfaces of Barbados cherry creating significant scarring, and larvae, pupae, and teneral adults were found inside blotch-type leaf mines in Davie, Florida (Broward County). This represents the first record of the species from the USA and the first recorded host.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cassidinae
- Tribe
- Chalepini
- Genus
- Pentispa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s. FL (recently introduced, found in 3 locations in Broward Co.) / Mex. - Map , TL: Cuernavaca, Mexico
Seasonal Activity
FL records from July-Dec.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts on Barbados cherry - ( Malpighia emarginata , Malpighiaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Patronym for Auguste Sallé (1820–1896), a French traveler and entomologist who specialized in Coleoptera.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pentispa sallaei. 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 Pentispa sallaei (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pentispa sallaei
What is Pentispa sallaei?
Pentispa sallaei is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pentispa sallaei?
5.4 mm
Where is Pentispa sallaei found?
Range: s. FL (recently introduced, found in 3 locations in Broward Co.) / Mex. - Map , TL: Cuernavaca, Mexico
What does Pentispa sallaei eat?
The diet of the Pentispa sallaei includes Hosts on Barbados cherry - ( Malpighia emarginata , Malpighiaceae).
When is Pentispa sallaei active?
Pentispa sallaei: seasonal activity - FL records from July-Dec..