Systena laevis
This record describes Systena laevis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
one of the palest and smoothest of North American species of Systena , sometimes a reddish-brown, narrow sutural vitta not reaching apex, rarely a trace of a lateral vitta; elytra especially in male not much wider than prothorax. HOLOTYPE Types: male and 4 paratypes (1 male and 3 females), U.S.N.M. Cat. No. 50117, collected by F. S. Nunenmacher, in Esmeralda Co., Nevada, 7 June, 1907.
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
sw US (CA-w.TX-CO-NV) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: multiple series coll'ed on rubber rabbitbrush ( Ericameria nauseosa , Asteraceae), also coll'ed multiple times on var. Baccharis spp. and other woody Asteracese ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Systena laevis Blake 1935
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Systena laevis. 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 laevis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , egordon88
Frequently Asked Questions About Systena laevis
What is Systena laevis?
Systena laevis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Systena laevis?
one of the palest and smoothest of North American species of Systena , sometimes a reddish-brown, narrow sutural vitta not reaching apex, rarely a trace of a lateral vitta; elytra especially in male not much wider than prothorax. HOLOTYPE
Where is Systena laevis found?
Range: sw US (CA-w.TX-CO-NV) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
What does Systena laevis eat?
The diet of the Systena laevis includes multiple series coll'ed on rubber rabbitbrush ( Ericameria nauseosa , Asteraceae), also coll'ed multiple times on var. Baccharis spp. and other woody Asteracese ( 5 ).