Plateumaris dubia
(C.Schaeffer, 1925)
long-horned leaf beetle, Dubious spade beetle
Plateumaris dubia is a of aquatic leaf beetle in the Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America, with records from western Canada and Alaska. The species is commonly known as the long-horned leaf beetle or the dubious spade . Like other members of the Plateumaris, it is associated with wetland .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Plateumaris dubia: //plæˈteɪʊmərɪs ˈdjuːbiə//
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Identification
Members of the Plateumaris can be distinguished from other aquatic leaf beetles by their elongated , which give rise to the 'long-horned leaf beetle.' Specific diagnostic features for P. dubia are not well documented in available sources.
Images
Habitat
Wetland , including peat bogs and other Sphagnum moss-dominated environments. Related in the are strongly associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic vegetation.
Distribution
North America. Documented from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada, and Alaska in the United States.
Ecological Role
As a member of the aquatic leaf beetle Plateumaris, this likely contributes to nutrient cycling in wetland through herbivory on aquatic vegetation.
Similar Taxa
- Plateumaris discolorAnother North American Plateumaris found in similar bog ; distinguished by coloration and potentially antennal proportions
- Other Donaciinae (aquatic leaf beetles)Share aquatic habits but differ in antennal length and specificity
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The specific epithet 'dubia' (meaning doubtful or uncertain) may reflect historical uncertainty about the ' taxonomic status or distinctiveness when described by Schaeffer in 1925.