Neofidia longipes

Neofidia longipes is a leaf beetle in the Chrysomelidae, found in eastern North America. It has been documented feeding on a diverse range of plants including American holly (Ilex opaca), willows (Salix), soybeans, and several members of the grape family (Vitaceae). The species is morphologically similar to Neofidia rileyorum, with females of the two species being indistinguishable without associated males. Both species occur sympatrically along portions of the Appalachian Mountains and in parts of Ohio and Alabama.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Neofidia longipes: /niːoʊˈfɪdiə ˈlɒŋɪpiːz/

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Identification

Very similar to Neofidia rileyorum; females of the two cannot be distinguished without associated males. Sympatric with N. rileyorum along the Appalachian Mountains, in central Ohio, and in central Alabama.

Distribution

North America, occurring mostly east of the Appalachian Mountains. Sympatric with Neofidia rileyorum in portions of the Appalachian Mountains, central Ohio, and central Alabama.

Diet

Associated with Ilex opaca (American holly, Aquifoliaceae), soybeans (Fabaceae), Salix (willows, Salicaceae), and various Vitaceae including Ampelopsis arborea, Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper), and Vitis (grapes).

Host Associations

Ilex opaca - associated withAmerican holly, Aquifoliaceae
Glycine max - associated withsoybeans, Fabaceae
Salix - associated withwillows, Salicaceae
Ampelopsis arborea - associated withpeppervine, Vitaceae
Parthenocissus quinquefolia - associated withVirginia creeper, Vitaceae
Vitis - associated withgrapes, Vitaceae

Similar Taxa

Neofidia rileyorumFemales cannot be distinguished without associated males; are sympatric in some areas

More Details

Taxonomic similarity

The difficulty in distinguishing females of N. longipes from N. rileyorum suggests that field identifications based on females alone should be treated with caution, particularly in areas where the two overlap.