Geiger Tree Tortoise Beetle
Physonota calochroma
This record describes Physonota calochroma (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
our subspecies is endemic to so. FL
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Geiger tree ( Cordia sebestena , Boraginaceae) ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Physonota (Eurypepla) calochroma floridensis (Blake 1965)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Physonota calochroma. 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 Geiger Tree Tortoise Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Troy Bartlett; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Mike Quinn , v belov