Phaedon desotonis
Balsbaugh, 1983
desoto leaf beetle, coreopsis leaf beetle
Phaedon desotonis is a leaf beetle in the Chrysomelidae. It has been observed in large on Coreopsis in central Georgia, where it was previously considered rare. The species completes one per year, with peak larval abundance in April and greatest numbers in May.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phaedon desotonis: //ˈfiːdɒn dɛsoʊˈtoʊnɪs//
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Identification
and larvae feed on Coreopsis , particularly C. lanceolata, C. tinctoria, and C. verticillata. Bidens aristosa is also fed upon but is less preferred and less damaged. Specific morphological distinguishing features from other Phaedon species are not documented in available sources.
Images
Habitat
Plantings of wildflowers, particularly those containing Coreopsis . Associated with cultivated and natural stands of plants in open, sunny environments.
Distribution
North America. Documented from central Georgia, with broader North American distribution implied by regional occurrence records.
Seasonality
Peak larval abundance occurs in April. Greatest numbers of observed in May. One per year.
Diet
Foliage of Coreopsis (C. lanceolata, C. tinctoria, C. verticillata) and Bidens aristosa. and larvae feed on the same plants.
Host Associations
- Coreopsis lanceolata - consistently fed upon by and larvae
- Coreopsis tinctoria - consistently fed upon by and larvae
- Coreopsis verticillata - consistently fed upon by and larvae
- Bidens aristosa - least preferred and least damaged among tested
Life Cycle
One per year. Larval stage peaks in April, followed by peak in May.
Human Relevance
Potential pest of ornamental Coreopsis plantings in wildflower gardens and horticultural settings. Thirty-eight plant in 11 were evaluated for susceptibility, with feeding concentrated on Coreopsis .
Similar Taxa
- Other Phaedon species Phaedon contains multiple leaf beetle ; P. desotonis distinguished by specific association with Coreopsis and geographic occurrence in southeastern North America
Misconceptions
Previously considered a rare , but has been observed in large when associated with suitable Coreopsis plants.
More Details
Research context
and plant relationships documented from studies in central Georgia wildflower plantings. Full host range evaluation included 38 plant across 11 .