Disonycha xanthomelas
(Dalman, 1823)
spinach flea beetle
Disonycha xanthomelas is a in the tribe Alticini, commonly known as the spinach flea beetle. The species is to North America and belongs to the skeletonizing Galerucinae. As a member of the flea beetle group, it possesses enlarged hind adapted for jumping. The indicates an association with spinach and related plants.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Disonycha xanthomelas: //daɪˈsɒnɪkə zænˈθoʊˌmiːləs//
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Distribution
North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick) and the United States. The has been documented in eastern U.S. serpentine barrens.
Diet
Has been observed feeding on plants in the Chenopodium and related in eastern U.S. serpentine barrens.
Host Associations
- Chenopodium - documented in serpentine barren
Human Relevance
The "spinach " suggests potential agricultural significance, though specific economic impact data is not documented in available sources.
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The was first described by Dalman in 1823. It is classified in the tribe Alticini, which is characterized by the (jumping) hind legs typical of .