Microrhopala floridana

Schwarz, 1878

Microrhopala floridana is a small leaf beetle in the Chrysomelidae, Cassidinae. measure 3.4–4.5 mm in males and 3.8–4.9 mm in females. The is known from the southeastern United States, with records from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and the District of Columbia. It has been documented feeding on Pityopsis graminifolia and associated with Lupinus diffusus.

Microrhopala floridana by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Microrhopala floridana by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Microrhopala floridana by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Microrhopala floridana: /ˌmaɪ.kroʊˈrɒp.ə.lə flɔːr.ɪˈdeɪ.nə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Distribution

Southeastern United States: Alabama, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Diet

have been recorded feeding on Pityopsis graminifolia (narrowleaf silkgrass). Adults have been collected on Lupinus diffusus (spreading lupine), though feeding on this has not been confirmed.

Host Associations

  • Pityopsis graminifolia - confirmed feeding feed on leaves
  • Lupinus diffusus - associated with collected on this plant, feeding not confirmed

Similar Taxa

  • Microrhopala vittataSimilar and size range; distinguished by dull reddish elytral stripes, eight-segmented , and smooth elytral margins in M. vittata. M. floridana lacks reddish stripes and has different associations.

Sources and further reading