Stethopachys formosa

Stethopachys formosa (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]

Orchid beetle
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Coleoptera
Suborder:
Polyphaga
Superfamily:
Chrysomeloidea
Family:
Chrysomelidae
Subfamily:
Criocerinae
Tribe:
Lemiini
Genus:
Stethopachys
Species:
S. formosa
Binomial name
Stethopachys formosa
Baly 1861[1]

Appearance

Dendrobium 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

The 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
  1. Baly, J. S. (1861). "Descriptions of new genera and species of Phytophaga". The Journal of Entomology. 1: 193–206.
  2. Corbin, Graham. "Dendrobium Beetle (Stethopachys formosa)" (PDF). The Orchid Society of New South Wales. Retrieved 2022-09-26.
  3. "Dendrobium Beetles - Stethopachys formosa Time to revisit". Australian Orchid Nursery. Retrieved 2021-11-19.
  4. "Orchid Beetle". Australian Museum. Retrieved 2017-01-10.


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