Dogwood Systena
Systena corni
This record describes Systena corni (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
differs from the similar S. marginalis by weaker markings and association with Cornus florida
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Systena
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Forest
Geographic Range
ON‒GA to IN‒TX
Seasonal Activity
mid- to late summer
Diet and Behavior
Diet: associated with Cornus florida , asso. with C. drummondii (S. Kieschnick, pers.comm. 2024 to MAQ)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Systena corni Schaeffer 1932
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Systena corni. 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 Dogwood Systena (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ed Riley; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Dogwood Systena
What is Dogwood Systena?
Dogwood Systena (Systena corni) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Dogwood Systena?
differs from the similar S. marginalis by weaker markings and association with Cornus florida
Where is Dogwood Systena found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Forest |
| Range | ON‒GA to IN‒TX |
What does Dogwood Systena eat?
The diet of the Dogwood Systena includes associated with Cornus florida , asso. with C. drummondii (S. Kieschnick, pers.comm. 2024 to MAQ).
When is Dogwood Systena active?
Dogwood Systena: seasonal activity - mid- to late summer.