Phytophagous-beetle
Guides
Amara impuncticollis
Amara impuncticollis is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1823. The species is characterized by its seed-eating habit, distinguishing it from many predatory ground beetles. It occurs across North America, with records from Alaska, Canada, and the contiguous United States. Like other members of the genus Amara, it is associated with open, often disturbed habitats where seeds are abundant.
Neochlamisus bebbianae
warty leaf beetle
Neochlamisus bebbianae is a small case-bearing leaf beetle in the tribe Chlamisini, commonly known as warty leaf beetles. This species has been extensively studied as a model system for ecological speciation, with populations forming distinct host forms specialized on different plant species across six genera in five families. Research has demonstrated host-associated ecological divergence, reproductive isolation, and ongoing speciation processes. The species is part of a complex where different host forms show pre- and post-mating reproductive barriers.
Zygogramma suturalis
ragweed leaf beetle
Zygogramma suturalis is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the ragweed leaf beetle. Native to North America, it has been introduced to Russia (1978) and other parts of Europe and Asia as a biological control agent for common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia). The beetle exhibits strong host specificity, feeding almost exclusively on this plant. Despite establishment in introduced ranges, it has achieved only moderate biological success due to low population densities and limited impact on host plant populations.