Zygogramma | |
---|---|
Zygogramma bicolorata | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Coleoptera |
Infraorder: | Cucujiformia |
Family: | Chrysomelidae |
Subfamily: | Chrysomelinae |
Tribe: | Chrysomelini |
Genus: |
Zygogramma Chevrolat in Dejean, 1836 [1] |
Species | |
~100, see text |
Zygogramma is a large genus of leaf beetles in the subfamily Chrysomelinae, which includes approximately 100 species. 13 species occur north of Mexico. [2]
Adults and larvae are herbivorous on various host plants. Zygogramma exclamationis is a pest species of sunflower crops in North America. [3] At least two species have also been used as a form of biological pest control: Zygogramma bicolorata was introduced to India as a biocontrol agent for the weed Parthenium hysterophorus, [4] and Zygogramma suturalis was introduced to Russia as a control for Ambrosia artemisiifolia (common ragweed). [5]