ColeopteraChrysomelidae – Leaf Beetles

Strabala rufa

This record describes Strabala rufa (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Strabala rufa - Strabala rufa
Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Identification notes

note black scutellum

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Chrysomeloidea
Family
Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
Subfamily
Galerucinae
Tribe
Alticini
Genus
Strabala

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

e NA (QC‒FL to ON‒MO‒TX)

Diet and Behavior

Diet: Host: Diodia (Rubiaceae)

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Strabala rufa (Illiger 1807)

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Strabala rufa. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Strabala rufa (5)

Strabala rufa - photo 1
Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Strabala rufa - photo 2
Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Strabala rufa - photo 3
Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Strabala rufa - photo 4
Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Strabala rufa - photo 5
Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Strabala rufa

How do you identify Strabala rufa?

note black scutellum

Where is Strabala rufa found?

Range: e NA (QC‒FL to ON‒MO‒TX)

What does Strabala rufa eat?

The diet of the Strabala rufa includes Host: Diodia (Rubiaceae).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.