Rhabdopterus weisei

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Chrysomeloidea
Family: Chrysomelidae
Subfamily: Eumolpinae
Tribe: Eumolpini
Genus: Rhabdopterus
Species: weisei

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Rhabdopterus weisei: //ræbˈdɒptɛrəs ˈvaɪzaɪ//

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Summary

Rhabdopterus weisei is a valid species of leaf beetle found in North America, originally described in 1919 and restored to validity in 2001 after being synonymised with a different species.

Physical Characteristics

Approximately 4 mm in length.

Identification Tips

Identification as a leaf beetle can be made through its body shape and coloration.

Habitat

Primarily found in areas with vegetation suitable for leaf beetles.

Distribution

Found in eastern North America, with some species restricted to Texas, Florida, and the southeastern United States.

Diet

Feeds on various plant materials, typical of leaf beetles.

Life Cycle

Typical of Chrysomelidae, involving egg, larval, pupa, and adult stages.

Reproduction

Details on specific reproductive habits are not provided; typical for leaf beetles includes laying eggs on host plants.

Ecosystem Role

As a herbivore, it plays a role in the plant community and serves as a food source for predators.

Collecting Methods

Use of nets for adult collection during peak activity months.
Leaf litter sampling for larvae.

Preservation Methods

Ethanol preservation for molecular studies.
Drying and pinning for traditional museum specimens.

Evolution

Originally classified under Colaspis, it later moved to Rhabdopterus due to taxonomic revisions.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

May be confused with other leaf beetles due to similar size and shape.