Rutela

Latreille, 1802

Species Guides

1

Rutela is a of scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) established by Latreille in 1802. in this genus are Neotropical in distribution, with Rutela lineola being the most widely distributed species in South America. At least one species, Rutela versicolor, has been documented from seasonally dry tropical forests. The genus contains phytophagous species that have been noted as potentially relevant to agriculture and horticulture.

Rutela by no rights reserved, uploaded by Kahio Tiberio Mazon. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Rutela: /ruːˈtɛlə/

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Images

Habitat

Seasonally dry tropical forests have been documented as for at least one (Rutela versicolor in northern Peru).

Distribution

Neotropical region. Rutela lineola is the most widely distributed in South America, with confirmed records from the South Region of Brazil. Rutela versicolor has been confirmed in Peru.

Seasonality

activity has been documented in the South Region of Brazil; specific seasonal patterns require further study.

Diet

Phytophagous (plant-feeding).

Host Associations

  • Coccoloba ruiziana - associated plantSecond recorded plant association for Rutela versicolor; documented from seasonally dry tropical forests in northern Peru.

Ecological Role

Potential agricultural and horticultural pest; phytophagous feeding habits suggest herbivory on vegetation.

Human Relevance

Information on distribution and seasonality has been noted as useful for horticulture and agriculture, implying potential economic relevance as a crop pest.

More Details

Taxonomic Note

Rutela lineola was originally described by Linnaeus in 1767 (not 1758 as sometimes cited). The is classified in the tribe Rutelini within the Rutelinae.

Research Gaps

Detailed knowledge regarding distribution, seasonality, , and specific plant relationships remains limited for most in this .

Sources and further reading