Lema daturaphila

L. daturaphila, commonly known as the three-lined potato beetle, is a species of beetle in the family Chrysomelidae.

Lema daturaphila
Lema daturaphila
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Chrysomelidae
Subfamily: Criocerinae
Tribe: Lemini
Genus: Lema
Species:
L. daturaphila
Binomial name
Lema daturaphila
Kogan and Goeden, 1970
Synonyms
  • Lema trilineata (Olivier, 1808)
  • Crioceris trilineata Olivier, 1808
  • Lema trivittata Say 1824

Description

Adult L. daturaphila measure 7-8 mmm in length and a bright orange-yellow in colour. Their elytra are marked with dark brown lines, one at either side and one along the suture between the wings - it is from this feature that their common name derives.[1]

Diet and behaviour

Three-lined potato beetles are found on plants in the family Solanaceae and are often agricultural pests to crops. They are uncommonly found on potato and rare on tomatoes, but very common on tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa). The larvae hatch in late June or July and feed on their host plant and are often found in groups. The larvae cover themselves with their own excrement, probably as a natural defence against predation.[1][2]

References
  1. Eaton, A. T. (2015). "Three-Lined Potato Beetle" (PDF). University of New Hampshire. Retrieved 2017-07-28.
  2. Hahn, J. (2003). "Threelined potato beetle". University of Minnesota. Retrieved 2017-07-28.


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