Trirhabda labrata
This record describes Trirhabda labrata (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
syntype • pronotal spots large; elytra entirely bright-green to blue-green except for thin pale margin, with sparse, inconspicuous pubescence T. labrata and T. flavolimbata are the only Trirhabda species reported to use the common coastal CA shrub Baccharis pilularis as a host plant. They are also very similar looking species: with elytra, pronotal, and occipital spots all metallic-green to blue. And while the femora of T. flavolimbata always have darkly marked posterior edges, those of T. labrata can be darkly marked, or not . According to Blake, T. labrata can be distinguished by its larger, more metallic, pronotal spots and its sparser elytral pubescence...tending to make it appear more brilliantly colored. But due to general variation in both the size of the pronotal spots, and their luster (which can change with lighting and viewing angle), these two species can be difficult to visually separate. The long, gradually tapering aedaegus of T. labata is quite distinct from that of T. flavolimbata , which tapers abruptly near the tip.
Wikipedia reference for Trirhabda labrata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trirhabda labrata.
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
Geographic Range
Coastal central California ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: Baccharis pilularis and Ericameria ericoides (Asteraceae) ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Trirhabda labrata Fall 1907
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Trirhabda labrata. 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 labrata (2)
Photo credits: (c) Alice Abela, all rights reserved | Contributed by Aaron Schusteff; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Trirhabda labrata
What is Trirhabda labrata?
Trirhabda labrata is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Trirhabda labrata?
6‒7.5 mm
How do you identify Trirhabda labrata?
syntype • pronotal spots large; elytra entirely bright-green to blue-green except for thin pale margin, with sparse, inconspicuous pubescence
Where is Trirhabda labrata found?
Range: Coastal central California ( 3 )
What does Trirhabda labrata eat?
The diet of the Trirhabda labrata includes hosts: Baccharis pilularis and Ericameria ericoides (Asteraceae) ( 3 ).