Stethopachys formosa
Orchid beetle | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | |
Phylum: | |
Class: | Insecta
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Order: | |
Suborder: | |
Superfamily: | |
Family: | Chrysomelidae
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Subfamily: | |
Tribe: | Lemiini
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Genus: | |
Species: | S. formosa
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Binomial name | |
Stethopachys formosa |
Stethopachys formosa (orchid beetle or dendrobium beetle) is an Australian insect found in northern New South Wales, Northern Territory and Queensland.[2] They cannot survive in colder climates, and do not appear in Southern states.[3] This insect feeds on the flowers and leaves of orchids, often causing damage to cultivated plants.[4]
Appearance[]
Dendrobium beetles are bright orange with large black spots on their wing covers.[2] They have long black antenna, and wings hidden behind the patterned wing covers.[2] The adult dendrobium beetle grows to approximately 12mm (0.5 inches).[2]
Damage to Dendrobium Orchids[]
The adult dendrobium beetle feeds on the Dendrobium plant, especially the leaves, buds, flowers, and seed pods.[2] The adult beetle will also lay eggs on the leaves, buds, flowers, and seed pods of the plant.[2] Once the beetle larvae has hatched, it will proceed to eat through the leaves and stems of the orchid plant. [2]
References[]
- ^ Baly, J. S. (1861). "Descriptions of new genera and species of Phytophaga". The Journal of Entomology. 1: 193–206.
- ^ a b c d e f g https://www.orchidsocietynsw.com.au/Documents/Dendrobium_beetle.pdf
- ^ "Dendrobium Beetles - Stethopachys formosa Time to revisit". Australian Orchid Nursery. Retrieved 2021-11-19.
- ^ "Orchid Beetle". Australian Museum. Retrieved 2017-01-10.
- Criocerinae
- Beetles described in 1861
- Beetles of Australia
- Orchid ecology
- Taxa named by Joseph Sugar Baly
- Chrysomelidae stubs