Sumitrosis inaequalis
This record describes Sumitrosis inaequalis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
In central Texas, south to the Rio Grande Valley, specimens are on average of a pale coloration (as shown) and often the dark maculae are with slight metallic highlights, unlike the darker forms that occur to the east. - EGR, 2009
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cassidinae
- Tribe
- Chalepini
- Genus
- Sumitrosis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
common on leaves of Fabaceae, also on goldenrod, oak, and white snakeroot ( 4 )
Geographic Range
transcontinental (BC-NS to CA-FL) / Mex. - Map , mostly e.NA, but rare in the se.US
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: various Asteraceae ( 5 ) ; also Bergamot
Life History
Larva in mine; adult
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sumitrosis inaequalis (Weber 1801)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Sumitrosis inaequalis. 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 Sumitrosis inaequalis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov , roar , marcie oconnor
Frequently Asked Questions About Sumitrosis inaequalis
What is Sumitrosis inaequalis?
Sumitrosis inaequalis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Sumitrosis inaequalis?
3.5-4.4 mm
How do you identify Sumitrosis inaequalis?
In central Texas, south to the Rio Grande Valley, specimens are on average of a pale coloration (as shown) and often the dark maculae are with slight metallic highlights, unlike the darker forms that occur to the east. - EGR, 2009
Where is Sumitrosis inaequalis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | common on leaves of Fabaceae, also on goldenrod, oak, and white snakeroot ( 4 ) |
| Range | transcontinental (BC-NS to CA-FL) / Mex. - Map , mostly e.NA, but rare in the se.US |
What does Sumitrosis inaequalis eat?
The diet of the Sumitrosis inaequalis includes hosts: various Asteraceae ( 5 ) ; also Bergamot.
What is the life cycle of a Sumitrosis inaequalis?
Larva in mine; adult