top of page

Beetles of Zihuatanejo

ORDER COLEOPTERA

Alagoasa acutangula
Alagoasa acutangula

-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)

-Hexapods (Subphylum Hexapoda)

-Insects (Class Insecta)

-Winged and Once-winged Insects (Subclass Pterygota)

-Beetles (Order Coleoptera​​)

-​Water, Rove, Scarab, Long-horned, Leaf, and Snout Beetles (Suborder Polyphaga)

-​Cucujiform Beetles (Infraorder Cucujiformia)

-Leaf Beetles and Allies (Superfamily Chrysomeloidea)

-Leaf Beetles Family (Chrysomelidae)

-Skeletonizing Leaf and Flea Beetles (Subfamily Galerucinae)

-Flea Beetles (Tribe Alticini)

-Subtribe Oedionychina

-Genus Alagoasa

-Alagoasa acutangula


Alagoasa acutangula is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae (leaf beetles). A key feature of flea beetles, including Alagoasa, is their enlarged hind legs, which allow them to leap suddenly—much like fleas—when disturbed. Adults are leaf feeders, often creating characteristic small holes (“shot-hole” damage) in foliage. They are usually found on host plants in sunny environments, where their metallic sheen can blend with reflective leaf surfaces. The larvae typically feed on plant roots or within plant tissues, depending on the species.

Diet

  • Larvae: Feed on the roots and underground portions of their host plants.

  • Adults: Feed on the leaves of herbaceous plants, chewing numerous small holes that produce the characteristic "shot-hole" pattern typical of flea beetles. Members of the genus are most commonly associated with plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae).

Range

  • Native to Mexico and Central America.

  • In Mexico, it occurs in tropical and subtropical regions, including the Pacific coast of Guerrero and the Zihuatanejo region.

  • Its range extends south through Central America into parts of northern South America.

Habitat

  • Inhabits tropical dry forests, woodland edges, secondary forests, scrublands, gardens, agricultural areas, and disturbed habitats where host plants are abundant.

  • Adults are commonly found on the foliage of low-growing herbs and shrubs.

  • Larvae develop in the soil around the roots of host plants.

Size

  • Adult length: 5–8 mm (0.2–0.3 in)

  • Body oval, compact, and often brightly metallic, with enlarged hind legs adapted for jumping.

bottom of page