Three-lined Lema Beetle

Lema trivittata

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Chrysomeloidea
Family: Chrysomelidae
Subfamily: Criocerinae
Tribe: Lemini
Genus: Lema
Species: trivittata

Pronunciation

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

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

Images

Lema trivittata by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Three-lined Lema Beetle - Lema trivittata, Elk River State Forest, Elkton, Maryland by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Lema trivittata, the three-lined lema beetle, is a species of leaf beetle known for its association with potato crops. It exhibits similar morphological characteristics to Lema daturaphila but has distinct reproductive and egg-laying traits. It is widely distributed across North America and has implications for agriculture due to its feeding habits.

Physical Characteristics

Adults of Lema trivittata are 5.1-7.3 mm in length and are very similar to Lema daturaphila, with distinguishing characteristics that are gradually expressed.

Identification Tips

The eggs of Lema trivittata have blackish tips, while the eggs of Lema daturaphila are dark yellow throughout.

Habitat

Most commonly associated with areas where Solanaceae plants, specifically potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), are found.

Distribution

Widely distributed from Quebec to Ontario, and from Massachusetts and Washington to Florida and California. Also found in Mexico and is introduced in Australia.

Diet

Primarily feeds on Solanaceae, with the majority of records associated with potato (Solanum tuberosum).

Ecosystem Role

As a leaf beetle, Lema trivittata serves as a herbivore within its ecosystem, potentially influencing plant health and dynamics.

Economic Impact

Potential pest of potato crops due to its feeding habits on Solanaceae.

Collecting Methods

Hand collection
Beating sheets

Preservation Methods

Ethanol immersion
Pinning

Evolution

Lema trivittata used to be treated as a color form of Lema daturaphila, but genetic experiments have shown that these forms do not hybridize, establishing their distinct species status.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

There was a historical misconception that Lema trivittata was merely a color variation of Lema daturaphila, a classification that has since been resolved by genetic studies.