Colaspis pini

Barber, 1937

Pine Colaspis

Colaspis pini, commonly known as the pine colaspis, is a in the . First described by Herbert Spencer Barber in 1937, this is known to feed on pines in the southern United States. It has been documented as an occasional pest of Christmas trees. The species is externally almost identical to Colaspis flavocostata but can be distinguished by the shape of the male . Two are recognized: C. p. pini and C. p. schotti.

Colaspis pini by (c) Shannon Foreman, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Shannon Foreman. Used under a CC-BY license.Colaspis pini by (c) Shannon Foreman, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Shannon Foreman. Used under a CC-BY license.Colaspis pini by (c) Shannon Foreman, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Shannon Foreman. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Colaspis pini: //ˈkɒləsˌpɪs ˈpaɪnaɪ//

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Identification

Differs from the externally similar Colaspis flavocostata by the shape of the . Resembles Colaspis brunnea (the colaspis) in general appearance. No other distinguishing features documented.

Images

Appearance

Externally almost identical to Colaspis flavocostata. Specific morphological details beyond this similarity are not documented in available sources.

Habitat

Associated with pine trees in the southern United States. Specific requirements beyond association are not documented.

Distribution

North America, specifically the southern United States. Exact range boundaries are not documented in available sources.

Diet

Feeds on pines (Pinus spp.). Specific pine consumed are not documented beyond general pine association.

Host Associations

  • Pinus - Feeding ; specific pine not documented

Ecological Role

feeding on pine foliage. Occasional pest status on Christmas trees suggests minor economic impact in managed settings.

Human Relevance

Occasional pest of Christmas trees. No other documented interactions with humans.

Similar Taxa

  • Colaspis flavocostataExternally almost identical; distinguished by male shape
  • Colaspis brunneaResembles in general appearance; known as the colaspis with different associations

More Details

Subspecies

Two recognized: Colaspis pini pini Barber, 1937 and Colaspis pini schotti Barber, 1937

Taxonomic History

First described by Herbert Spencer Barber in 1937

Tags

Sources and further reading