Chrysomelinae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Chrysomeloidea
Family: Chrysomelidae
Subfamily: Chrysomelinae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chrysomelinae: /ˌkrɪsoʊˈmiːlaɪniː/

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

Images

Chrysomela scripta 2 by Gerald J. Lenhard, Louisiana State University, Bugwood.org. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Stiretrus anchorago01 by Lawrence Abrahamson, State University of New York, Bugwood.org. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Chrysomela confluens-1 by Eugene Zelenko. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Chrysomela schaefferi by Garth Harwood. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Cottonwood Leaf Beetle - Chrysomela scripta, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, Okeechobee, Florida, April 22, 2021 (52516688449) by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

S. cristatus wasps making nests-01 by NCalBeetleGuy. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Chrysomelinae, or broad-bodied leaf beetles, comprise a diverse subfamily of beetles with significant ecological and agricultural implications, particularly due to some species being pests. They exhibit notable physical traits and complex life cycles and behaviors.

Physical Characteristics

Adults are convex, round or oval, often brightly colored. Antennae inserted on or adjacent to anterior edge of head; eyes slightly emarginate; body typically measures 3-14 mm in length.

Identification Tips

Look for brightly colored, rounded beetles often found on foliage. Presence of a single anal cell in each wing and the unique arrangement of antennae are helpful for identification.

Habitat

Commonly found on foliage and flowers of a variety of plants, including both annual and perennial herbs as well as woody shrubs and trees.

Distribution

Approximately 3,000 species worldwide, with significant diversity in temperate regions.

Diet

Herbivorous, primarily feeding on plant leaves with some species also feeding on flowers. Larvae can exhibit cannibalism.

Life Cycle

Eggs are laid on host plants, hatch into larvae that feed, then pupate in soil before emerging as adults. Variations exist such as ovoviviparity and pupation on host plants.

Reproduction

Eggs are usually laid on host plants, and maternal care for eggs and larvae is exhibited in some species.

Predators

Adults and larvae have chemical defenses against predators; specific predator species are not detailed.

Ecosystem Role

Herbivory on plants plays a role in ecosystem dynamics; some species act as agricultural pests.

Economic Impact

The Colorado potato beetle is a significant agricultural pest, impacting crop yields.

Evolution

Oldest members belong to several species of the genus Mesolpinus from the extinct tribe Mesolpinini, known from the Aptian aged Yixian Formation of China.