Wild Olive Tortoise Beetle
Physonota alutacea
This record describes Physonota alutacea (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
undisturbed adults are silvery: disturbed adults: Larvae, like others of this genus, are bizarre:
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cassidinae
- Tribe
- Ischyrosonychini
- Genus
- Physonota
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Corpus Christi to S. Amer. - Map ( 3 )
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Nov (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: Wild Olive - Cordia boissieri (Boraginaceae), a native small tree, frequently cultivated, variously known as Wild Olive, Mexican Olive, or Anacahuita. (Note, true olives are in the Oleaceae family.)
Life History
Larvae gregarious in early stages. Closely associated with hostplant--see above.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Physonota alutacea Boheman 1854
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Physonota alutacea. 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 Wild Olive Tortoise Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by cotinis , tom murray , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Wild Olive Tortoise Beetle
What is Wild Olive Tortoise Beetle?
Wild Olive Tortoise Beetle (Physonota alutacea) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Wild Olive Tortoise Beetle?
adults 13 mm
How do you identify Wild Olive Tortoise Beetle?
undisturbed adults are silvery: disturbed adults: Larvae, like others of this genus, are bizarre:
Where is Wild Olive Tortoise Beetle found?
Range: Corpus Christi to S. Amer. - Map ( 3 )
What does Wild Olive Tortoise Beetle eat?
The diet of the Wild Olive Tortoise Beetle includes host: Wild Olive - Cordia boissieri (Boraginaceae), a native small tree, frequently cultivated, variously known as Wild Olive, Mexican Olive, or Anacahuita. (Note, true olives are in the Oleaceae family.).
When is Wild Olive Tortoise Beetle active?
Wild Olive Tortoise Beetle: seasonal activity - Apr-Nov (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Wild Olive Tortoise Beetle?
Larvae gregarious in early stages. Closely associated with hostplant--see above.