Syneta albida
LeConte, 1857
western fruit beetle
A small leaf beetle in the Synetinae, found in western North America. feed on foliage of deciduous fruit trees and ornamentals, while larvae develop in soil feeding on roots. The is considered a minor pest of orchards and gardens.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Syneta albida: /sɨˈneɪtə ælˈbaɪdə/
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Identification
average 6 mm in length. Distinguished from other western Chrysomelidae by combination of small size, association with fruit trees, and membership in the small Synetinae.
Images
Habitat
Associated with deciduous trees in orchards, gardens, and riparian areas.
Distribution
Western North America; recorded from British Columbia, Canada and throughout the western United States.
Diet
feed on leaves of Cydonia (quince), Prunus (plum), Pyrus (pear), and Ribes (currant). Larvae feed on tree roots.
Host Associations
- Cydonia - food plantquince
- Prunus - food plantplum
- Pyrus - food plantpear
- Ribes - food plantcurrant
Life Cycle
Larvae inhabit soil, feeding on tree roots. They hibernate through winter and pupate in spring.
Human Relevance
Minor pest of fruit trees and ornamental shrubs; cause foliar damage, larvae damage roots.