Plateumaris sericea
This record describes Plateumaris sericea (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 9 to 12 mm. Plateumaris sericea shows amazing colour variation, ranging from blackish-blue to red with heavily pitted elytra. Plateumaris discolor is similar, but mainly found around acid waters. Around ponds where the larval foodplants are present. The larval food plants are bur-reeds (Sparganium sp.). Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Chrysomelidae
- Genus
- Plateumaris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Around ponds where the larval foodplants are present.
Seasonal Activity
Peak time is May to July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larval food plants are bur-reeds (Sparganium sp.).
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Plateumaris sericea. 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 sericea (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Plateumaris sericea
What is Plateumaris sericea?
Plateumaris sericea is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Plateumaris sericea?
9 to 12 mm. Plateumaris sericea shows amazing colour variation, ranging from blackish-blue to red with heavily pitted elytra.
Where is Plateumaris sericea found?
Habitat: Around ponds where the larval foodplants are present.
When is Plateumaris sericea active?
Plateumaris sericea: seasonal activity - Peak time is May to July..
What is the life cycle of a Plateumaris sericea?
The larval food plants are bur-reeds (Sparganium sp.).