Zygogramma | |
---|---|
Zygogramma bicolorata | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Coleoptera |
Family: | Chrysomelidae |
Subfamily: | Chrysomelinae |
Genus: |
Zygogramma Chevrolat in Dejean, 1836 |
Species | |
~100, see text |
~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.
Adults and larvae are herbivorous on various host plants. Zygogramma exclamationis is a pest species of sunflower crops in North America. 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, and Zygogramma suturalis was introduced to Russia as a control for Ambrosia artemisiifolia (common ragweed).