Spintherophyta violaceipennis
(Horn, 1892)
A small leaf beetle in the Chrysomelidae, Spintherophyta violaceipennis is native to southwestern North America and Mexico. The is distinguished by its striking coloration: a shiny dark blue pronotum contrasting with ranging from dark coppery red to deep purple. It has been reported feeding on oak, willow, juniper, and pine. The specific epithet violaceipennis refers to the violet-colored wings.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Spintherophyta violaceipennis: /spɪnˈθɛroʊˌfaɪtə vaɪəˌleɪsiˈpɛnɪs/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Spintherophyta by the combination of a dark blue pronotum and coppery-red to purple . The metallic coloration is distinctive within its range. In North America, only four Spintherophyta species occur, with S. globosa being the most widespread and commonly encountered; S. violaceipennis is distinguished from S. globosa and other by its specific color pattern of dark blue pronotum with coppery-red to purple elytra rather than more uniform coloration.
Appearance
Small leaf beetle with distinctive metallic coloration. Pronotum is shiny and dark blue. are dark coppery red to deep purple. Specific epithet violaceipennis (Latin for "violet wings") references the elytral coloration.
Distribution
Native to North America. Range extends from southern Arizona and California southward into Mexico. Present in Middle America and North America according to distribution records.
Diet
Reported to feed on oak (Quercus), willow (Salix), juniper (Juniperus), and pine (Pinus).
Similar Taxa
- Spintherophyta globosaMost widespread and commonly encountered North American ; distinguished from S. violaceipennis by coloration pattern (S. violaceipennis has dark blue pronotum with coppery-red to purple )