Lema trivittata

Say, 1824

three-lined lema beetle, three-lined potato beetle

A leaf beetle in the Chrysomelidae, recognized by its bright orange , yellow legs, and three black longitudinal stripes on yellow . and larvae feed on plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae), including potato, jimsonweed, and bittersweet nightshade. The has evolved physiological to tropane alkaloids, toxic compounds produced by its plants. Native to Central and North America, with introduced in Australia.

Lema trivittata by no rights reserved, uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh. Used under a CC0 license.Lema trivittata by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Lema trivittata by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lema trivittata: /ˈleː.ma tɹɪ.vɪˈtaː.ta/

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Identification

distinguished by orange , yellow legs, and three black longitudinal stripes on yellow . Resembles Lema daturaphila and Lema bilineata but differs in specific stripe pattern and coloration details. Larvae differ from Colorado potato beetle larvae by less humped-back appearance and paler orange hue; also distinguished by habit of accumulating excrement on their backs.

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Habitat

Associated with plants in the nightshade (Solanaceae), including agricultural settings (potato fields), weedy areas with jimsonweed or bittersweet nightshade, and other locations where solanaceous plants grow.

Distribution

Native to Central America and North America. Introduced and established in Australia.

Diet

Plants in the nightshade (Solanaceae), including potato (Solanum tuberosum), jimsonweed (Datura stramonium), and bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara). Has been reared on sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) in laboratory settings, though this is not a natural .

Behavior

Larvae accumulate excrement on their backs, presumably as a defense against . and larvae feed openly on foliage of plants.

Ecological Role

Herbivore specialized on Solanaceae; its bright aposematic coloration suggests it may sequester plant toxins and serve as a warning to .

Human Relevance

Minor agricultural pest of potato; less damaging than Colorado potato beetle. Used in laboratory studies as for rearing .

Similar Taxa

  • Lema daturaphilaClosely related and morphologically similar; both feed on Solanaceae and share general color pattern of stripes on .
  • Lema bilineataClosely related with similar body form and plant associations; differs in stripe number and pattern.
  • Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado potato beetle)Larvae superficially similar but have more humped-back appearance and richer orange color; different elytral pattern in (ten stripes, not three).

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Sources and further reading