Odontota mundula

(Sanderson, 1951)

Odontota mundula is a leaf beetle in the Chrysomelidae, first described by Sanderson in 1951. It belongs to a whose members are commonly known as locust leafminers, feeding on Robinia . The species has been recorded from Canada (Manitoba) and across much of the eastern and central United States.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Odontota mundula: /oʊˌdɒnˈtoʊtə ˈmʌndjʊlə/

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

Identification

Members of the Odontota are small leaf beetles, typically 3–5 mm in length. They possess enlarged hind adapted for jumping, a characteristic feature of the tribe Chalepini. Specific diagnostic features for O. mundula separating it from such as O. dorsalis are not documented in available sources.

Habitat

Associated with plants of the Robinia (locust trees), particularly in forest edges, parks, and along roadways where these trees occur.

Distribution

Recorded from Canada: Manitoba. United States: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin.

Diet

Has been observed feeding on Amphicarpa bracteata (hog peanut), a legume in the Fabaceae.

Host Associations

Amphicarpa bracteata - food plantRecorded feeding on this ; not a Robinia unlike

Similar Taxa

Odontota dorsalisCongeneric locust leafminer; O. dorsalis is the primary pest of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and is much better documented. O. mundula appears to occupy a similar but with different associations.

More Details

Taxonomic note

The Odontota contains several poorly known . Most literature on 'locust leafminers' refers to O. dorsalis; O. mundula has received minimal study beyond original description and scattered collection records.