Phaedon armoraciae
This record describes Phaedon armoraciae (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
3.5 to 4.7 mm. Deep metallic. Pronotal disc with both fine and coarse punctures. Distinctly swollen 'shoulders' (humeral calli). Antennae entirely dark and widely spaced. Adults are found on a variety of water plants, though larvae have only been found on brooklime. Common and widespread throughout Britain. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Chrysomelinae
- Tribe
- Chrysomelini
- Genus
- Phaedon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Adults are found on a variety of water plants, though larvae have only been found on brooklime.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread throughout Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phaedon armoraciae. 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.
