Systena elongata
This record describes Systena elongata (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
straight yellow stripe along each elytron; curves in slightly at apex; pronotum typically black (dull orange in S. blanda )
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
Geographic Range
much of NA (NY‒FL to MB‒TX; WA‒CA‒UT)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: reported from a wide variety of plants, incl. many crops ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Systena elongata (Fabricius 1798)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Systena elongata. 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 Systena elongata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , dragonfly12 , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Systena elongata
What is Systena elongata?
Systena elongata is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Systena elongata?
straight yellow stripe along each elytron; curves in slightly at apex; pronotum typically black (dull orange in S. blanda )
Where is Systena elongata found?
Range: much of NA (NY‒FL to MB‒TX; WA‒CA‒UT)
What does Systena elongata eat?
The diet of the Systena elongata includes reported from a wide variety of plants, incl. many crops ( 3 ).