Phaedon laevigatus
This record describes Phaedon laevigatus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Palearctic: adventive(?) in North America, native to Europe Coleopterists are still debating whether or not Phaedon laevigatus ... [is] native to North America or accidentally introduced from the Palearctic Region. I personally think that [it] was introduced, since the favorite host plant (watercress) is not thought to be native to North America. --S.M. Clark, pers.comm. to =v= 3.iii.2014
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
adventive(?) to AK-CA-AZ-CO to NS-VA - Map , native to Europe, most NA records New England to AB per GBIF State/Province Records:
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Prefers watercress ( Nasturtium officinale ), but is also known from horseradish ( Armoracia rusticana ). It has also been reported from Galeopsis and Salix in Europe. ( 5 ) ( 6 )
Life History
Overwinters as adults under debris or bark. ( 6 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phaedon laevigatus (Duftschmid, 1825)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phaedon laevigatus. 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 laevigatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Phaedon laevigatus
What is Phaedon laevigatus?
Phaedon laevigatus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Phaedon laevigatus?
Palearctic: adventive(?) in North America, native to Europe
Where is Phaedon laevigatus found?
Range: adventive(?) to AK-CA-AZ-CO to NS-VA - Map , native to Europe, most NA records New England to AB per GBIF State/Province Records:
What does Phaedon laevigatus eat?
The diet of the Phaedon laevigatus includes Prefers watercress ( Nasturtium officinale ), but is also known from horseradish ( Armoracia rusticana ). It has also been reported from Galeopsis and Salix in Europe. ( 5 ) ( 6 ).
What is the life cycle of a Phaedon laevigatus?
Overwinters as adults under debris or bark. ( 6 )