Other Common Names
threelined potato beetle, datura leaf beetle
Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Lema trivittata Say, 1824 was, for a long time, regarded as a color form of L. daturaphila (trilineata auct.).
It was removed from synonymy after rearing experiments proved infertility between the two forms.
Identification
Adults virtually of same appearance as L. daturaphila, but may be discriminated as follows (according to White & Day):
- median yellow band on elytra paler at sides in living specimens (of one colour in daturaphila; seems not to work with bugguide images);
- lateral black band covering 2 1/2 intervals at most (more than 2 1/2 in daturaphila);
(following characters of +/- gradual nature)
- tibiae usually yellow for more than half of their length (nearly always dark to more than 1/2 in daturaphila);
- femora often dark apically (rarely so in daturaphila)
- sternal pieces often broadly black (sometimes narrowly black in daturaphila)
The eggs of trivittata are said to have blackish tips, while those of daturaphila are dark yellow throughout.
Range
CA-FL-MA-WA / Ont. & Que. / Mex.
(1)Food
Solanaceae, most records from
Solanum tuberosum aka the Potato...
(2)Print References
White, R.E. & Day, W.H. 1979. Taxonomy and biology of Lema trivittata Say, a valid species with notes on L. trilineata (Oliv.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Entomological News 90(5): 209-217.
Internet References
Images of Adults and Larvae - University of California, Irvine
