Three-lined Potato Beetle
Lema daturaphila
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Chrysomeloidea
- Family: Chrysomelidae
- Subfamily: Criocerinae
- Tribe: Lemini
- Genus: Lema
- Species: daturaphila
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lema daturaphila: //ˈlɛ.mə ˌdæ.tʊˈræ.fɪ.lə//
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Summary
Lema daturaphila, commonly known as the three-lined potato beetle, is a beetle from the family Chrysomelidae. Originally from Central and North America, it is recognized for its distinctive color patterns and is known to be an agricultural pest on Solanaceae crops.
Physical Characteristics
Adult Lema daturaphila measure 7–8 mm in length and are bright orange-yellow in color. Their elytra are marked with three dark lines: one at either side and one along the suture.
Identification Tips
Key identification features include the color pattern and the presence of the three dark lines on the elytra. Specimens can vary widely in color, making identification challenging.
Habitat
Lema daturaphila is typically found on plants in the family Solanaceae, often in agricultural environments.
Distribution
Transcontinental distribution from Canada to Mexico, primarily found in northeastern North America to California.
Diet
Lema daturaphila primarily feeds on plants in the Solanaceae family, particularly tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa), but also occasionally on tomato and potato plants.
Life Cycle
The larvae hatch in late June or July and are slug-like in appearance with black heads. They often feed in groups and cover themselves with their own excrement for defense.
Ecosystem Role
As a herbivore, this beetle plays a role in the ecosystem dynamics of agricultural pest populations.
Economic Impact
Lema daturaphila is considered an agricultural pest, particularly on crops such as tomatillo, where they can cause significant damage.
Evolution
This species has undergone nomenclatural changes due to issues with homonymy, leading to the adoption of its currently accepted name, Lema daturaphila.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
There may be confusion surrounding the identification of Lema daturaphila due to variability in color patterns among individuals, complicating its separation from other similar species.
Tags
- beetle
- pest
- agriculture
- Solanaceae
- North America