Three-lined Potato Beetle
ExploreInsects
Three-lined Potato Beetle
Lema daturaphila
The Three-lined Potato Beetle is a small, colorful bug that loves to munch on potato plants. With its bright yellow body and three black stripes, it's easy to spot in gardens!
Habitat: Urban areas, Gardens, Farms
Appearance
The Three-lined Potato Beetle is a slender, elongated beetle, typically yellowish-orange to reddish-brown in color. It has three distinctive thin black stripes running lengthwise down its wing covers (elytra). Its head is dark or black, and its antennae are short and also black, differentiating it from similar-looking beetles.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyChrysomelidaeGenusLema
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
These beetles got their scientific name for loving Jimsonweed (Datura), a plant even more than potatoes!
Unlike the more famous Colorado potato beetle, these beetles have thin stripes, not chunky spots.
When startled, adult beetles often "play dead" by dropping off plants to escape danger. What a trick!
Young beetles, called larvae, wear a shield made of their own poop to deter predators! Gross, but effective!
Special abilities
Ability
Defense Shield
Three-lined Potato Beetle larvae can cover themselves in their own waste (frass) because this foul-smelling shield deters predators.
Ability
Toxic Eater
Three-lined Potato Beetles can eat toxic leaves from plants like jimsonweed because they have special enzymes to safely digest harmful compounds.
Ability
Rapid Reproduction
This beetle can lay many eggs quickly because it helps them rapidly increase their numbers in new host plant areas.
Measurements & details
- Size
- 6-9 mm
- Lifespan
- 60-120 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
They munch on leaves, especially from potato and tomato plants!
Age differences: Larvae and adults both feed on the same host plants.
Primary Foods
- Potato leaves
- Tomato leaves
- Eggplant leaves
- Jimsonweed leaves
- Groundcherry leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Potato
Solanum tuberosum
Adults and larvae feed on potato plant leaves.
eats
Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
Adults and larvae feed on tomato plant leaves.
eats
Seven-spotted Ladybug
Coccinella septempunctata
Ladybug larvae and adults can prey on its eggs.
eats
Jimsonweed
Datura stramonium
It feeds on leaves of this toxic plant species.
Traits
Striped
Marked with parallel bands or lines of color.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
It's best to look at beetles without touching them, as some can be a little shy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Three-lined Potato Beetle?
6-9 mm
How long does Three-lined Potato Beetle live?
60-120 days
What does Three-lined Potato Beetle eat?
They munch on leaves, especially from potato and tomato plants!
Where is Three-lined Potato Beetle usually found?
Urban areas, Gardens, Farms
How does Three-lined Potato Beetle hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Three-lined Potato Beetle have?
6
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