Animal Species:Pumpkin Beetle
The Pumpkin Beetle is a leaf beetle (family Chrysomelidae), which is one of the largest beetle families with approximately 3,000 Australian species. At least 250 of these occur in the Sydney area.
Pumpkin Beetle specimen
Andrew Donnelly
© Australian Museum
Size range
6 mm - 7 mm
Distribution
The Pumpkin Beetle is found in eastern Australia.
Feeding and Diet
Both the larvae and adults of leaf beetles eat plant material. Some are serious commercial pests. The larvae feed on the roots.
Economic/social impacts
The Pumpkin Beetle is of concern to gardeners as it feeds on the leaves and flowers of cucumbers, melons and of course pumpkins.
Classification
- Species:
- hilaris
- Genus:
- Aulacophora
- Subfamily:
- Galerucinae
- Family:
- Chrysomelidae
- Superfamily:
- Chrysomeloidea
- Suborder:
- Polyphaga
- Order:
- Coleoptera
- Class:
- Insecta
- Subphylum:
- Uniramia
- Phylum:
- Arthopoda
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
Last Updated:
Tags beetles, insects, arthropods, invertebrates, identification, wildlife of sydney, pests,
