Phyllobrotica lengi
This record describes Phyllobrotica lengi (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
see MacRae Type Locality: Perry Co., Indiana Known from Missouri by just four specimens collected in the late 1800s until Rev. James Sullivan collected a small series on S. parvula in east-central Missouri in 1988. (MacRae 2019) Karl Stephan donated 3 spmns from Latimer Co., OK to the TAMUIC Barney et al. coll'ed 4 spmns in one county in KY (not far from the type locality in s. IN) Joel Ashman documented the first record from Texas (Wise Co.) in 2022.
Identification notes
see MacRae (2019)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Luperini
- Genus
- Phyllobrotica
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
asso. w/ tall grass prairies in MO ( 6 ) , and in OK (MAQ, pers. obs.)
Geographic Range
ec. US (e.TX-e.OK-IN-KY-MS) , see range of host plant
Seasonal Activity
May (BG data, based on 2 records)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: in MO, adults found feeding on small skullcap - Scutellaria parvula (Lamiaceae) ( 6 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phyllobrotica lengi Blatchley, 1910
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phyllobrotica lengi. 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 Phyllobrotica lengi (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllobrotica lengi
What is Phyllobrotica lengi?
Phyllobrotica lengi is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Phyllobrotica lengi?
5.5-6.0 mm
How do you identify Phyllobrotica lengi?
see MacRae (2019)
Where is Phyllobrotica lengi found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | asso. w/ tall grass prairies in MO ( 6 ) , and in OK (MAQ, pers. obs.) |
| Range | ec. US (e.TX-e.OK-IN-KY-MS) , see range of host plant |
What does Phyllobrotica lengi eat?
The diet of the Phyllobrotica lengi includes in MO, adults found feeding on small skullcap - Scutellaria parvula (Lamiaceae) ( 6 ).
When is Phyllobrotica lengi active?
Phyllobrotica lengi: seasonal activity - May (BG data, based on 2 records).