Colaspis
Colaspis
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Chrysomeloidea
- Family: Chrysomelidae
- Subfamily: Eumolpinae
- Tribe: Eumolpini
- Genus: Colaspis
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Colaspis: //koʊˈlæspɪs//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
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Summary
Colaspis is a genus of leaf beetles in the subfamily Eumolpinae, notable for being one of the largest in the subfamily with over 200 species primarily found in neotropical regions. Its classification has been complicated by historical errors and the splitting of species into other genera.
Habitat
Predominantly neotropical regions including most of North America except California and the Pacific Northwest.
Distribution
New World, mostly Neotropical. Present in North and South America, with more than 28 species identified in our area and over 200 species total.
Diet
Some adults are polyphagous, while others are host-specific.
Economic Impact
Some species, like the grape colaspis (Colaspis brunnea), are considered pests.
Evolution
The genus is known to have species from the Eocene period, reflecting a long evolutionary history.
Similar Taxa
- Maecolaspis
- Allocolaspis
- Callicolaspis
- Percolaspis
- Nodocolaspis
- Zenocolaspis
Misconceptions
The genus has been historically confused due to misclassification and alternative naming by researchers, particularly the use of the name Maecolaspis.
Tags
- Eumolpinae
- Beetles
- Colaspis
- Leaf beetles