Australian Tortoise Beetle
Trachymela sloanei
This record describes Trachymela sloanei (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Introduced from Australia. First recorded in 1998 in California.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Chrysomelinae
- Tribe
- Chrysomelini
- Genus
- Trachymela
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
California and Arizona? (note in comments)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Eucalyptus
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Trachymela sloanei (Blackburn, 1896)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Trachymela sloanei. 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 Australian Tortoise Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , Harsi S. Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Australian Tortoise Beetle
What is Australian Tortoise Beetle?
Australian Tortoise Beetle (Trachymela sloanei) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Australian Tortoise Beetle?
6-7 mm
Where is Australian Tortoise Beetle found?
Range: California and Arizona? (note in comments)
What does Australian Tortoise Beetle eat?
The diet of the Australian Tortoise Beetle includes Eucalyptus.