ColeopteraChrysomelidae – Leaf Beetles

Phaedon cyanescens

This record describes Phaedon cyanescens (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Phaedon cyanescens - Phaedon cyanescens
Contributed by Mike Quinn

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

Geographic Range

s.CA to w.TX, CO / Mex. to C. Amer. - Map

Seasonal Activity

most records from Aug.

Diet and Behavior

Diet: Asso. w/ a variety of Asteraceae ( 3 )

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Phaedon cyanescens Stål, 1860

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phaedon cyanescens. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Phaedon cyanescens (2)

Phaedon cyanescens - photo 1
Contributed by Mike Quinn
Phaedon cyanescens - photo 2
Contributed by Mike Quinn

Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn

Frequently Asked Questions About Phaedon cyanescens

Where is Phaedon cyanescens found?

Range: s.CA to w.TX, CO / Mex. to C. Amer. - Map

What does Phaedon cyanescens eat?

The diet of the Phaedon cyanescens includes Asso. w/ a variety of Asteraceae ( 3 ).

When is Phaedon cyanescens active?

Phaedon cyanescens: seasonal activity - most records from Aug..

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.