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Species Page - Gastrophysa viridula |
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 species list search results ->Gastrophysa viridula ->species page |
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| scientific name Gastrophysa viridula habitat Hay fields, preferring homogenized host environments (Smith and Whittaker 1980). seasonality May to October (Whittaker et al. 1979). identification Beetles have green heads, elytra and legs with a metallic sheen. Species in the Strickland collection match descriptions of other members of the genus that are 4-5 mm in length and are oval oblong in shape. Females are larger than males. Their elytra are heavily punctate, similar to G. polygoni . life history This species is multivoltine and overwinter as adults (Whittaker et al. 1979). Adults do not appear to fly, but move strictly by walking (Whittaker et al. 1979). Sex ratios in this species are biased, with twice as many males as females, likely promoting competition among males for mates (Voight et al. 2010). conservation Is vulnerable to flooding, especially during the late instar larval stages (Whittaker et al. 1979). diet info Ideal host plant was Rumex obtusifolius; feeding on R. acetosa leads to slowed development and fewer eggs oviposited (Voight et al. 2010 and Smith and Whittaker 1980). range England (Whittaker et al. 1979). Throughout Europe, Asia, the United States (Borowiec 2011) and Canada. The Strickland collection includes specimens collected in the southern half of Alberta. notes The genus name comes from the abdomens of the females becoming relatively engorged when carrying fertilized eggs (Blatchley 1910 and Lesage and Majka 2009). The genus also is classified by their characteristically thin pleurites and their common shape and similar colouring (Blatchley 1910). The genus has been incorrectly referred to as Gastroidea and Gastreoidea in past literature (Lawson 1950, and Lesage and Majka 2009). quick link http://entomology.museums.ualberta.ca/searching_species_details.php?s=39127
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