Neofidia lurida

grape rootworm

Neofidia lurida, commonly known as the grape rootworm, is a leaf beetle in Chrysomelidae. It is distributed across eastern North America, extending south to Mexico and north to Quebec. The is recognized as an economic pest of grape due to larval feeding damage on roots. are small, hairy beetles active in late spring and early summer.

Neofidia lurida by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Katja Schulz. Used under a CC-BY license.Neofidia lurida by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Neofidia lurida by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Katja Schulz. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Neofidia lurida: /ˌniːoʊˈfɪdiə ˈlʊrɪdə/

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Identification

measure 4.9–7.0 mm in length. Body is mahogany brown and densely covered with white to straw-yellow hairs. The combination of small size, uniform brown coloration with conspicuous pale , and association with Vitaceae distinguishes this from similar leaf beetles.

Images

Distribution

Eastern North America, ranging south to Mexico. Recently documented as far north as Quebec, representing a northward range extension.

Seasonality

emerge in late spring and early summer, feeding on leaves for 3–4 weeks. Larvae overwinter in soil and resume feeding on roots the following spring.

Diet

Larvae feed on roots of grape vines (Vitis), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), and other members of Vitaceae. feed on leaves.

Host Associations

  • Vitis - larval (roots)grape vines
  • Parthenocissus quinquefolia - larval (roots)Virginia creeper
  • Vitaceae - larval (roots)-level association

Life Cycle

One per year. emerge late spring to early summer, feed on foliage, and oviposit. hatch in 1–2 weeks. Larvae develop through summer, then overwinter in soil. Spring feeding by larvae precedes and adult .

Behavior

feed on leaves for a limited period (3–4 weeks) before . Larvae are subterranean root-feeders.

Human Relevance

Significant economic pest of grape production. Larval root-feeding can damage or kill vines, reducing yields.

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Sources and further reading