Blepharida

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Blepharida: /blɛfəˈraɪdə/

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Summary

Blepharida rhois, commonly known as the sumac flea beetle, is a dietary specialist primarily feeding on smooth sumac. It is distinguished by its ability to jump and the larvae's unique fecal shield defense mechanism. Its range is notable as it is found predominantly in northern North America, unlike most species of its genus.

Physical Characteristics

Adults are moderately sized with well developed hind legs to assist with jumping. Wings are cream colored with red-brown striped markings. The head and pyothorax are orange. Females are slightly larger than males, typically around 6.5 mm long and 4.0 mm wide. Larvae are cylindrical, gray or yellow, shiny and palely striped with black heads.

Identification Tips

Look for the cream colored adults with irregular reddish patterns and their typical jumping ability. Larvae can be identified by their gray color with yellow stripes and their unique fecal shields they construct.

Habitat

Primarily found on the external surfaces of Rhus plants, particularly in regions where these plants are abundant.

Distribution

Widespread in North America, particularly in northern states, extending from Virginia to Alberta in the east and Montana in the west. Other members of the genus are more common in Mexico and Central America.

Diet

Both larvae and adults primarily feed on the leaves of smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), with a specialized diet as they are dietary specialists.

Life Cycle

Eggs are laid on leaves in fecal casings, hatching after about two weeks. Larvae feed for approximately two to three weeks before pupation. Adults emerge in early summer, feeding until September before overwintering.

Reproduction

Females lay clusters of eggs in fecal material covering on the host plant. They can lay several hundred eggs over several weeks. They reproduce two generations per summer.

Predators

Natural predators include ants and insectivorous birds, which are deterred by the larvae's fecal shields and chemical defenses.

Ecosystem Role

Herbivorous beetle that serves as a consumer in its ecosystem, specifically affecting the dynamics of Rhus plant populations.

Economic Impact

Considered a pest to sumac plants due to larvae feeding which can lead to plant defoliation and potential death if left uncontrolled.

Collecting Methods

• Netting flying adults
• Hand collection on host plants

Preservation Methods

• Ethanol preservation
• Drying

Evolution

Part of a diverse group within the beetle family Chrysomelidae, with adaptations for jumping and chemical defense strategies unique to their feeding habits.

Similar Taxa

• Other genera within the subfamily Alticinae
• Chrysomelidae family members

Misconceptions

Often mistaken for other flea beetles due to their jumping behavior and size.

Tags

• Beetles
• Flea Beetles
• Chrysomelidae