Sunflower Tortoise Beetle
Physonota helianthi
This record describes Physonota helianthi (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Oval. Shining pale yellow. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum with margin explanate, covering head from above; having 3 black spots, median more elongate. |
| Elytra | Elytra with explanate margins; finely to moderately coarsely, mostly irregularly punctate. |
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
occurs in the the northeastern U.S.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts on members of the aster family, Asteraceae.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Helianthus - Latin for 'sunflower'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Physonota helianthi. 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 Sunflower Tortoise Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Hannah Nendick-Mason , Phillip Harpootlian , Mike Quinn , Vox Sciurorum
Frequently Asked Questions About Sunflower Tortoise Beetle
What is Sunflower Tortoise Beetle?
Sunflower Tortoise Beetle (Physonota helianthi) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Sunflower Tortoise Beetle?
Length 10.0-10.5 mm. Width 4.9-5.0 mm.
How do you identify Sunflower Tortoise Beetle?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Oval. Shining pale yellow. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum with margin explanate, covering head from above; having 3 black spots, median more elongate. |
| Elytra | Elytra with explanate margins; finely to moderately coarsely, mostly irregularly punctate. |
Where is Sunflower Tortoise Beetle found?
Range: occurs in the the northeastern U.S.
What does Sunflower Tortoise Beetle eat?
The diet of the Sunflower Tortoise Beetle includes hosts on members of the aster family, Asteraceae..