Phyllobrotica physostegiae
This record describes Phyllobrotica physostegiae (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
- male/female Dets. E. G. Riley, 2009 Type Locality: Missouri, Dade County, Niawathe Prairie, 10 mi. N. Lockwood, June 12, 1978 (E. G. Riley) on Physostegia angustifolia . In addition to the holotype, 89 specimens have been examined (all para types), and all from sw. Missouri
Identification notes
- male/female Dets. E. G. Riley, 2009
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
Geographic Range
sc US (e.TX-c.LA-sw.MO-OK) - Map , uncommonly collected, may not come to UV lights
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Obedient Plants, specifically Physostegia angustifolia and Physostegia digitalis (Lamiaceae) ( 4 )
Life History
collected on Physostegia angustifolia at each prairie collection site where the plant was present. Feeding was observed several times and damage to plants was evident at all the collection localities.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phyllobrotica physostegiae E. Riley, 1979
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phyllobrotica physostegiae. 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 physostegiae (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllobrotica physostegiae
What is Phyllobrotica physostegiae?
Phyllobrotica physostegiae is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Phyllobrotica physostegiae?
- male/female Dets. E. G. Riley, 2009
Where is Phyllobrotica physostegiae found?
Range: sc US (e.TX-c.LA-sw.MO-OK) - Map , uncommonly collected, may not come to UV lights
What does Phyllobrotica physostegiae eat?
The diet of the Phyllobrotica physostegiae includes Obedient Plants, specifically Physostegia angustifolia and Physostegia digitalis (Lamiaceae) ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Phyllobrotica physostegiae?
collected on Physostegia angustifolia at each prairie collection site where the plant was present. Feeding was observed several times and damage to plants was evident at all the collection localities.