Shoemaker's reed beetle
Plateumaris shoemakeri
This record describes Plateumaris shoemakeri (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Typically, specimens of P. shoemakeri are recognized by presence of deep, regular median line and basal and callosal sulci of pronotum, largely reddish appendages, robustly clavate metafemur with large acute subapical tooth, and shiny, sparsely (relatively) punctate pronotal disc, those in most specimens fine but confluent forming rugae, elytral disc shiny and punctulate, pygidium truncate in male specimens, broadly rounded to obtusely pointed in female specimens. Specimens from Alabama and Florida are unlike specimens from more northern parts of the distribution, as detailed below.
Wikipedia reference for Plateumaris shoemakeri: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plateumaris shoemakeri.
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 (BC‒NS to UT & FL) - Map , most records from ne NA
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Usually on Acorus calamus (Acoraceae), which is unusual for the genus ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Plateumaris shoemakeri (Schaeffer) Named by Schaeffer for the collector who sent him specimens
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Plateumaris shoemakeri. 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 Shoemaker's reed beetle (9)
Photo credits: (c) Pierrick Bloin, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Pierrick Bloin | (c) Judy Gallagher, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Judy Gallagher | (c) Tom Murray, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Tom Murray | (c) robertgessing, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by robertgessing | (c) Will Linnard, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Will Linnard | (c) Josiah Reed, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Josiah Reed | (c) Peter Hollinger, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Peter Hollinger | Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Ingolf
Frequently Asked Questions About Shoemaker's reed beetle
What is Shoemaker's reed beetle?
Shoemaker's reed beetle (Plateumaris shoemakeri) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Shoemaker's reed beetle?
Typically, specimens of P. shoemakeri are recognized by presence of deep, regular median line and basal and callosal sulci of pronotum, largely reddish appendages, robustly clavate metafemur with large acute subapical tooth, and shiny, sparsely (relatively) punctate pronotal disc, those in most specimens fine but confluent forming rugae, elytral disc shiny and punctulate, pygidium truncate in male specimens, broadly rounded to obtusely pointed in female specimens. Specimens from Alabama and Florida are unlike specimens from more northern parts of the distribution, as detailed below.
Where is Shoemaker's reed beetle found?
Range: transcontinental (BC‒NS to UT & FL) - Map , most records from ne NA
What does Shoemaker's reed beetle eat?
The diet of the Shoemaker's reed beetle includes Usually on Acorus calamus (Acoraceae), which is unusual for the genus ( 3 ).