Waterfern Flea Beetle
Pseudolampsis guttata
This record describes Pseudolampsis guttata (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Fuscous, densely clothed with fine short pubescence, legs and elytra paler, the latter are twice as wide as the prothorax, impressed behind the base; strife well impressed finely punctured, each with three dark spots, the first and third near the suture. Prothorax a little wider than long, alutaceous. Type Locality: Louisiana, Mr. A. C. Reisig
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Pseudolampsis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se. US (e.OK-e.TX-s.FL-NJ) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) , most records from plains and coastal states
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: mosquitoferns - Azolla spp., Azolla caroliniana, A. filiculoides (Azollaceae) ( 6 )
Life History
Damage from this and other insects can be devastating to beds of Azolla . A single adult waterfern flea beetle can eat as many as 250 frond lobes per day, nearly the total number on a plant (about 310 lobes). A female beetle produces 670 eggs during a 132-day oviposition period. The adults live up to 200 days, and the total generation time is 24–34 days.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: guttatus (L). 'spotted, speckled'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pseudolampsis guttata. 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 Waterfern Flea Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfern Flea Beetle
What is Waterfern Flea Beetle?
Waterfern Flea Beetle (Pseudolampsis guttata) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Waterfern Flea Beetle?
2-2.5 mm
How do you identify Waterfern Flea Beetle?
Fuscous, densely clothed with fine short pubescence, legs and elytra paler, the latter are twice as wide as the prothorax, impressed behind the base; strife well impressed finely punctured, each with three dark spots, the first and third near the suture. Prothorax a little wider than long, alutaceous.
Where is Waterfern Flea Beetle found?
Range: se. US (e.OK-e.TX-s.FL-NJ) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) , most records from plains and coastal states
What does Waterfern Flea Beetle eat?
The diet of the Waterfern Flea Beetle includes Hosts: mosquitoferns - Azolla spp., Azolla caroliniana, A. filiculoides (Azollaceae) ( 6 ).
What is the life cycle of a Waterfern Flea Beetle?
Damage from this and other insects can be devastating to beds of Azolla . A single adult waterfern flea beetle can eat as many as 250 frond lobes per day, nearly the total number on a plant (about 310 lobes). A female beetle produces 670 eggs during a 132-day oviposition period. The adults live up to 200 days, and the total generation time is 24–34 days.