Plateumaris flavipes
This record describes Plateumaris flavipes (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Generally easily recognized by the combination of completely testaceous appendages, moderate to absent metafemoral tooth of most specimens, pronotum with dense punctation, often rugulose to broadly indistinctly alutaceous to shagreened about midline (especially females), female pygidium rounded with small apical notch, male pygidium subtruncate, median lobe without prominent carina below and lateral digits of endophallus with acute hind angles
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Donaciinae
- Tribe
- Plateumarini
- Genus
- Plateumaris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
transcontinental (AK‒NT‒NF to BC‒AZ‒NM‒SD‒IN‒NC)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Plateumaris flavipes (Kirby 1837) Named by Kirby for its pale testaceous legs, though this applies to antennae also.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Plateumaris flavipes. 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 Plateumaris flavipes (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Ingolf
Frequently Asked Questions About Plateumaris flavipes
What is Plateumaris flavipes?
Plateumaris flavipes is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Plateumaris flavipes?
7.4‒8.4 mm
How do you identify Plateumaris flavipes?
Generally easily recognized by the combination of completely testaceous appendages, moderate to absent metafemoral tooth of most specimens, pronotum with dense punctation, often rugulose to broadly indistinctly alutaceous to shagreened about midline (especially females), female pygidium rounded with small apical notch, male pygidium subtruncate, median lobe without prominent carina below and lateral digits of endophallus with acute hind angles
Where is Plateumaris flavipes found?
Range: transcontinental (AK‒NT‒NF to BC‒AZ‒NM‒SD‒IN‒NC)