Phaedon desotonis
This record describes Phaedon desotonis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
the distincitve characteristic of this beetle is its bronze-colored pronotum a case where an uncommon insect herbivore has 'jumped' from its rare native host to related common hosts and is spreading (Smith-Rodgers 2012)
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
se US (SC‒FL to OK‒TX) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , most records from s. Great Plains
Seasonal Activity
Dec-May ( 5 ) , a univoltine species. Adults overwinter and emerge in early spring; larvae are present as early as late March or early April. Adults of the new generation emerge by early May and are present on Coreopsis only for three or four weeks before aestivating and recolonizing their hosts the following spring. (Wheeler & Hoebeke 2001)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: Asteraceae: Coreopsis spp. and Bidens aristosa ( 3 ) ; common on Greenthread ( Thelesperma filifolium , Asteraceae) in TX & AR (Smith-Rodgers 2012) ( 6 )
Life History
Adults overwinter (Wheeler & Hoebeke 2001), e.g. iNat record ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phaedon desotonis Balsbaugh 1983
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phaedon desotonis. 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 Phaedon desotonis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Phaedon desotonis
What is Phaedon desotonis?
Phaedon desotonis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Phaedon desotonis?
3‒5 mm ( 3 )
How do you identify Phaedon desotonis?
the distincitve characteristic of this beetle is its bronze-colored pronotum
Where is Phaedon desotonis found?
Range: se US (SC‒FL to OK‒TX) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , most records from s. Great Plains
What does Phaedon desotonis eat?
The diet of the Phaedon desotonis includes Hosts: Asteraceae: Coreopsis spp. and Bidens aristosa ( 3 ) ; common on Greenthread ( Thelesperma filifolium , Asteraceae) in TX & AR (Smith-Rodgers 2012) ( 6 ).
When is Phaedon desotonis active?
Phaedon desotonis: seasonal activity - Dec-May ( 5 ) , a univoltine species. Adults overwinter and emerge in early spring; larvae are present as early as late March or early April. Adults of the new generation emerge by early May and are present on Coreopsis only for three or four weeks before aestivating and recolonizing their hosts the following spring. (Wheeler & Hoebeke 2001).
What is the life cycle of a Phaedon desotonis?
Adults overwinter (Wheeler & Hoebeke 2001), e.g. iNat record ( 5 )