Systena elongata
(Fabricius, 1798)
elongate flea beetle, Dark-necked Systena
Systena elongata is a of flea beetle in the Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from Manitoba, Canada. The species is also known by the "Dark-necked Systena." As a member of the flea beetle tribe Alticini, it possesses the enlarged hind characteristic of this group, enabling jumping locomotion.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Systena elongata: /sɪsˈtiːnə iːˈlɒŋɡətə/
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Identification
Systena elongata can be distinguished from other Systena by its elongated body form, consistent with its specific epithet. The "Dark-necked Systena" suggests a darker coloration on the pronotum or region that may serve as a distinguishing feature from . Members of the Systena are small leaf beetles, typically 3–5 mm in length, with the characteristic flea beetle including enlarged hind adapted for jumping.
Images
Distribution
North America, with confirmed records from Manitoba, Canada. The has been reported as present across North America generally, though specific locality records remain limited.
Similar Taxa
- Systena blandaAnother small flea beetle in the same ; S. blanda (Pale-striped Flea Beetle) has a pale stripe and is known to feed on sunflower and other crops, whereas S. elongata has darker neck coloration and lacks the pale stripe.
- Other Systena species share the general flea beetle body plan and small size; S. elongata is distinguished by its elongated body form and dark neck coloration.
More Details
Taxonomic note
The was described by Fabricius in 1798. The "Dark-necked Systena" appears in iNaturalist records, while "elongate flea beetle" is the name used in Wikipedia and other sources.