Stethopachys formosa, the 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 they do not appear in Southern states.[3] This insect feeds on the flowers and leaves of orchids, often causing damage to cultivated plants.[4]
| Stethopachys formosa | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Family: | Chrysomelidae |
| Genus: | Stethopachys |
| Species: | S. formosa
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| Binomial name | |
| Stethopachys formosa | |
Appearance
editDendrobium 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
editThe 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
edit- ^ 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 Corbin, Graham. "Dendrobium Beetle (Stethopachys formosa)" (PDF). The Orchid Society of New South Wales. Retrieved 2022-09-26.
- ^ "Dendrobium Beetles - Stethopachys formosa Time to revisit". Australian Orchid Nursery. Retrieved 2021-11-19.
- ^ "Orchid Beetle". Australian Museum. Retrieved 2017-01-10.
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