Pseudodibolia opima
This record describes Pseudodibolia opima (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Destinctive serate outer margin on hind tibia: Type Locality: North Carolona
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Pseudodibolia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e US (TX-FL-MD-IL) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , uncommon
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Carolina wild petunia ( Ruellia caroliniensis , Acanthaceae) ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: opima = 'fat, rich, plump'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pseudodibolia opima. 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 Pseudodibolia opima (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pseudodibolia opima
What is Pseudodibolia opima?
Pseudodibolia opima is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pseudodibolia opima?
2.5 mm
How do you identify Pseudodibolia opima?
Destinctive serate outer margin on hind tibia:
Where is Pseudodibolia opima found?
Range: e US (TX-FL-MD-IL) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , uncommon
What does Pseudodibolia opima eat?
The diet of the Pseudodibolia opima includes Carolina wild petunia ( Ruellia caroliniensis , Acanthaceae) ( 5 ).