Sphaeroderma testaceum
This record describes Sphaeroderma testaceum (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
There are two very similar species of Sphaeroderma in Britain and both feed on Thistles. Both are red coloured and generally round-bodied. S. testaceum is slightly larger but there is much overlap. S. testaceum : Body less strongly rounded, slightly but distinctly elongate, the pronotum less strongly narrowed from the base and more strongly punctured, especially towards the basal margin. 2.5-4.2 mm. S. rubidum : Body strongly rounded, often almost circular, pronotum very strongly narrowed from the base and very finely punctured. 2.3-3.5 mm. Found wherever the foodplants, various species of Thistle and occasionally Common Knapweed are abundant, including roadsides, wasteland, woodland etc. Pupation occurs in the spring and new generation adults are seen from May. Both larvae and adults feed on leaves. Common and widespread in England and Wales, less so further north.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Sphaeroderma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found wherever the foodplants, various species of Thistle and occasionally Common Knapweed are abundant, including roadsides, wasteland, woodland etc.
Seasonal Activity
May/June to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Pupation occurs in the spring and new generation adults are seen from May. Both larvae and adults feed on leaves.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in England and Wales, less so further north.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Sphaeroderma testaceum. 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 Sphaeroderma testaceum (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sphaeroderma testaceum
What is Sphaeroderma testaceum?
Sphaeroderma testaceum is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Sphaeroderma testaceum found?
Habitat: Found wherever the foodplants, various species of Thistle and occasionally Common Knapweed are abundant, including roadsides, wasteland, woodland etc.
When is Sphaeroderma testaceum active?
Sphaeroderma testaceum: seasonal activity - May/June to September..
What is the life cycle of a Sphaeroderma testaceum?
Pupation occurs in the spring and new generation adults are seen from May. Both larvae and adults feed on leaves.