Systena gracilenta
Blake, 1933
Systena gracilenta is a of flea beetle in the Chrysomelidae, first described by Blake in 1933. It belongs to a whose members are generally small, active leaf beetles capable of jumping when disturbed. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Specific details about its and remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Systena gracilenta: /sɪsˈtiːnə ˌɡræsɪˈlɛntə/
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Identification
Systena gracilenta can be distinguished from by its slender body form, as suggested by the epithet "gracilenta" (meaning slender or graceful). As a member of the flea beetle tribe Alticini, it possesses enlarged hind adapted for jumping. Accurate identification to species level requires examination of specific morphological characters and comparison with or authoritative keys.
Images
Distribution
Central America and North America. GBIF records confirm presence in both regions, though specific country-level distribution data is sparse.
Similar Taxa
- Systena blandaAnother small flea beetle in the same with which S. gracilenta may be confused; S. blanda is known to feed on sunflowers and other Asteraceae, and has a wider documented range.
- Other Systena speciesMembers of this share the general flea beetle body plan and jumping ability; -level identification requires careful examination of subtle morphological differences.
More Details
Taxonomic note
The Systena contains numerous , many of which are poorly studied. The specific epithet "gracilenta" was established by Blake in 1933, but detailed redescriptions or modern taxonomic revisions may be lacking.