Leptinotarsa

Chevrolat, 1836

Potato Beetles

Leptinotarsa is a of () containing approximately 20 described , with the most notable being , the . Several species in the genus produce leptinotarsin, a toxin structurally similar to diamphotoxin found in African leaf beetles of the genus Diamphidia. Some Leptinotarsa species serve as for in the genus Lebia.

Leptinotarsa juncta by (c) Judy Gallagher, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Leptinotarsa collinsi by (c) Lon Brehmer, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Lon Brehmer. Used under a CC-BY license.Leptinotarsa haldemani by no rights reserved, uploaded by jeanetx. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Leptinotarsa: //ˌlɛp.tɪ.noʊˈtɑr.sə//

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Ecological Role

Some are parasitised by of the Lebia.

Human Relevance

The includes major agricultural pests, particularly (), which causes significant damage to potato globally.

Similar Taxa

  • DiamphidiaBoth produce structurally similar toxins (leptinotarsin in Leptinotarsa, diamphotoxin in Diamphidia).
  • Lebia of this parasitise some Leptinotarsa .

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Sources and further reading