Trirhabda eriodictyonis
This record describes Trirhabda eriodictyonis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Other than T. eriodictyonis and T. diducta , only T. flavolimbata from coastal CA has been reported on Eriodictyon , considered an accidental occurrence
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Galerucini
- Genus
- Trirhabda
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
chaparral of mountains and canyons with Eriodictyon
Geographic Range
sw.US (CA‒UT‒AZ)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae and adults feed on species of Eriodictyon (Boraginaceae)
Life History
Gould (2014) gives a detailed discussion of the life cycle of E. eriodictyonis on pp. 8-12 . Highlights from therein are summarized in quotes below:
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Trirhabda eriodictyonis. 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 Trirhabda eriodictyonis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hartmut Wisch; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Aaron Schusteff , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Trirhabda eriodictyonis
What is Trirhabda eriodictyonis?
Trirhabda eriodictyonis is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Trirhabda eriodictyonis?
5‒9 mm
Where is Trirhabda eriodictyonis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | chaparral of mountains and canyons with Eriodictyon |
| Range | sw.US (CA‒UT‒AZ) |
What does Trirhabda eriodictyonis eat?
The diet of the Trirhabda eriodictyonis includes Larvae and adults feed on species of Eriodictyon (Boraginaceae).
What is the life cycle of a Trirhabda eriodictyonis?
Gould (2014) gives a detailed discussion of the life cycle of E. eriodictyonis on pp. 8-12 . Highlights from therein are summarized in quotes below: