Margined Systena
Systena marginalis
This record describes Systena marginalis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Systena plicata Blatchley is similar in size and color, but has a distinct lateral fold (ridge) along the margin of each elytron (lacking in S. marginalis ). Systena corni is also similar in general appearance but differs in being less strongly marked (and in male genitalia) and has a genuine association with flowering dogwood ( Cornus florida ).
Wikipedia reference for Systena marginalis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systena marginalis.
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
Forests
Geographic Range
e NA (TX-FL-QC-SD) - Map
Seasonal Activity
Jun-Oct (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Reported associations include many un-related plants ( 3 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Systena marginalis. 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 Margined Systena (7)
Photo credits: (c) sdrov, all rights reserved, uploaded by sdrov | (c) Paul Bedell, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Paul Bedell | (c) Timothy Reichard, all rights reserved, uploaded by Timothy Reichard | (c) William Hull, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by William Hull | Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , edriley , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Margined Systena
What is Margined Systena?
Margined Systena (Systena marginalis) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Margined Systena?
Systena plicata Blatchley is similar in size and color, but has a distinct lateral fold (ridge) along the margin of each elytron (lacking in S. marginalis ). Systena corni is also similar in general appearance but differs in being less strongly marked (and in male genitalia) and has a genuine association with flowering dogwood ( Cornus florida ).
Where is Margined Systena found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Forests |
| Range | e NA (TX-FL-QC-SD) - Map |
What does Margined Systena eat?
The diet of the Margined Systena includes Reported associations include many un-related plants ( 3 ).
When is Margined Systena active?
Margined Systena: seasonal activity - Jun-Oct (BG data).