Horsemint Tortoise Beetle
Physonota unipunctata
This record describes Physonota unipunctata (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pale greenish yellow, three black dots on the thorax, white spots on elytra (colors fade in preserved specimens)
Wikipedia reference for Physonota unipunctata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physonota unipunctata.
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
e. NA (PQ-GA west to SK-CO-OK)
Seasonal Activity
May-Aug in NC mountains
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae and adults feed on Monarda spp. (Lamiaceae); reports of this species on Asteraceae were almost certainly incidental or based on Physonota spp. other than P. unipunctata
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Common names refer to host plants ( Monarda ) or to the specific epithet unipunctata 'one-spotted'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Physonota unipunctata. 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 Horsemint Tortoise Beetle (8)
Photo credits: (c) Dan L. Johnson, certains droits réservés (CC BY-NC), publiées par Dan L. Johnson | (c) Eric Geenen, certains droits réservés (CC BY-NC), publiées par Eric Geenen | (c) roberttunison, certains droits réservés (CC BY-NC) | (c) bengilbert111, certains droits réservés (CC BY-NC) | (c) amlambert11, certains droits réservés (CC BY-NC), publiées par amlambert11 | (c) Joe Bartok, certains droits réservés (CC BY-NC), publiées par Joe Bartok | (c) Matthew Tobey, certains droits réservés (CC BY-NC), publiées par Matthew Tobey | (c) beetleinahaystack, certains droits réservés (CC BY-NC), publiées par beetleinahaystack | Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Horsemint Tortoise Beetle
What is Horsemint Tortoise Beetle?
Horsemint Tortoise Beetle (Physonota unipunctata) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Horsemint Tortoise Beetle?
9-12 mm long, 6-7.5 mm wide
How do you identify Horsemint Tortoise Beetle?
Pale greenish yellow, three black dots on the thorax, white spots on elytra (colors fade in preserved specimens)
Where is Horsemint Tortoise Beetle found?
Range: e. NA (PQ-GA west to SK-CO-OK)
What does Horsemint Tortoise Beetle eat?
The diet of the Horsemint Tortoise Beetle includes Larvae and adults feed on Monarda spp. (Lamiaceae); reports of this species on Asteraceae were almost certainly incidental or based on Physonota spp. other than P. unipunctata.
When is Horsemint Tortoise Beetle active?
Horsemint Tortoise Beetle: seasonal activity - May-Aug in NC mountains.