Acalymma gouldi

Barber, 1947

Acalymma gouldi is a leaf beetle in the Acalymma, a group of cucurbit-feeding beetles native to North America. It has been recorded on the foliage of wild cucumber (Echinocystis lobata) as well as cultivated cucurbits including Cucurbita and Cucumis melo. The species is distributed across eastern North America, with records from New Brunswick, Ontario, and Québec in Canada. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits strong fidelity to plants in the Cucurbitaceae .

Acalymma gouldi by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Acalymma gouldi by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Acalymma gouldi by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Acalymma gouldi: //əˈkælɪmə ˈɡuːldi//

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Identification

Acalymma gouldi can be distinguished from the more common striped cucumber (Acalymma vittatum) and western striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma trivittatum) by geographic range and subtle morphological differences. The lacks the three distinct black stripes on yellow that characterize A. vittatum and A. trivittatum. Identification to species level in Acalymma typically requires examination of male genitalia or detailed examination of elytral punctation and coloration patterns.

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Habitat

Associated with plants in the Cucurbitaceae , including wild cucumber (Echinocystis lobata) in natural or semi-natural settings and cultivated cucurbits in agricultural environments.

Distribution

Eastern North America. Documented from New Brunswick, Ontario, and Québec in Canada. The full extent of its range within the United States is not well documented in available sources.

Diet

feed on foliage of Echinocystis lobata, Cucurbita, and Cucumis melo. Larval feeding habits are not documented in available sources.

Host Associations

  • Echinocystis lobata - food plantwild cucumber
  • Cucurbita - food plantcultivated squash and pumpkins
  • Cucumis melo - food plantmelon

Human Relevance

Potential pest of cucurbit crops including melons and squash, though its economic significance relative to the more widespread A. vittatum is not established in available literature.

Similar Taxa

  • Acalymma vittatumSimilar size and plant preferences; distinguished by three black stripes on yellow and more eastern distribution in North America.
  • Acalymma trivittatumSimilar size and plant preferences; distinguished by three black stripes on yellow and distribution west of the Rocky Mountains.

Sources and further reading