Potato Beetle: History, Facts, Size, Habitat, Classification & Much More

By Morgan Gutierrez

Potato Beetle: History, Facts, Size, Habitat, Classification

Animals have always fascinated us with their diversity and amazing characteristics. One such fascinating creature is the Potato Beetle. It is a small insect that belongs to the group of animals called beetles. In this blogpost, we will explore the history, facts, size, habitat, and classification of the Potato Beetle.

The history of the Potato Beetle can be traced back to its origins in North America. It was first discovered in the 19th century and quickly gained attention due to its destructive nature towards potato crops. Farmers soon realized that this tiny insect could cause significant damage to their livelihoods.

In terms of size, the Potato Beetle is relatively small, measuring about half an inch in length. It has a distinct appearance with its yellowish-orange body and black stripes. One interesting fact about this beetle is its ability to change its color, blending with its surroundings as a form of camouflage.

The habitat of the Potato Beetle includes agricultural fields where potatoes are grown. Its preferred environment is warm and humid, which allows for optimal breeding and feeding conditions. These beetles have a wide distribution and can be found in different parts of the world.

Classification-wise, the Potato Beetle belongs to the insect Order Coleoptera, which includes beetles. It falls under the family Chrysomelidae and the genus Leptinotarsa. This classification helps scientists and researchers understand the relationships and characteristics of different species.

In this blogpost, we have delved into the intriguing world of the Potato Beetle, exploring its history, facts, size, habitat, and classification. To learn more about animals, make sure to check out our other articles in which we have covered over 155 different animal species. Stay tuned for more exciting posts on the captivating creatures that share our planet.

History of Potato Beetle

The history of the potato beetle begins a long time ago when potatoes were first cultivated by humans. People started growing potatoes as a food source because they are easy to grow and can be stored for a long time. However, soon after, they encountered a problem: the potato beetle.

These little insects, also known as Colorado potato beetles, are voracious eaters and they love to feast on potato plants. Farmers noticed that their potato plants were being destroyed by these beetles. This became a big problem because potatoes were an important food source for many people.

Farmers then had to figure out how to deal with these pesky beetles. At first, they tried picking the beetles off the plants by hand, but this was a time-consuming task and not very effective. They also tried using chemicals to kill the beetles, but this was harmful to the environment and sometimes even to humans.

Eventually, scientists and farmers started studying the biology of the potato beetle to find more sustainable solutions. They discovered that these beetles have a specific life cycle and are vulnerable at certain stages. This led to the development of methods such as crop rotation, where potatoes are grown in different fields each year to disrupt the lifecycle of the beetles, and biological controls, such as introducing natural predators of the potato beetle.

Today, farmers continue to face challenges with the potato beetle, but thanks to ongoing research and improved farming practices, they have better tools to manage these pests. The potato beetle remains a notable insect in the history of agriculture, teaching us the importance of understanding nature’s balance and finding sustainable solutions to protect our food sources.

Importance of Potato Beetle

The potato beetle is an important animal because it has a big impact on potatoes, which are a very popular and widely eaten food. This tiny creature might seem harmless, but it can cause a lot of damage to potato plants if not controlled properly.

When potato beetles attack potato plants, they eat the leaves, stems, and even the tubers (the part of the plant that we eat). This can lead to a significant decrease in potato yield. Since potatoes are one of the main food sources for people around the world, protecting them from pests like the potato beetle is crucial to ensure that there is enough food for everyone.

Farmers and scientists study potato beetles to find ways to control their population. They use different methods, such as insecticides or biological control, to manage these pests and protect their potato crops. By understanding the behavior and life cycle of potato beetles, farmers can take the necessary steps to prevent or minimize the damage they cause.

In conclusion, the potato beetle is important because it can harm potato plants and reduce food production. Protecting potatoes from these pests ensures that there is enough food for people to eat. By studying potato beetles, farmers can find ways to control their populations and safeguard their potato crops.

Amazing Facts About Potato Beetle

1. The potato beetle, also known as the Colorado potato beetle, is an insect that belongs to the family Chrysomelidae.
2. These beetles are native to North America and were named after the state of Colorado where they were first discovered.
3. Adult potato beetles have a yellow-orange color with black stripes on their wing covers, while their larvae are reddish-orange with black spots.
4. The average size of an adult potato beetle ranges from 10 to 12 millimeters in length.
5. These beetles are known to be voracious feeders and primarily feed on potato plants, hence their name.
6. The larvae of potato beetles feed on both the upper and lower leaf surfaces of potato plants, causing significant damage to the foliage.
7. Apart from potatoes, these beetles can also infest other plants from the nightshade family, including tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers.
8. The potato beetle has a life cycle consisting of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
9. Female potato beetles can lay up to 300 eggs during their lifetime, which they deposit on the undersides of leaves.
10. The eggs hatch after about five to ten days, and the larvae emerge to begin feeding on the host plant.
11. This species has developed a remarkable resistance to various insecticides, making it a challenging pest to control.
12. To defend themselves from predators, potato beetles release a foul-smelling chemical called phytochemicals, which deters potential threats.
13. The presence of potato beetles can cause significant economic losses for farmers as they reduce crop yields and impair the quality of harvested vegetables.
14. Potato beetles are highly adaptable and can survive in various climatic conditions, making them a successful invasive species in many regions outside their native habitat.
15. While chemical controls are commonly used to manage potato beetle populations, some farmers also employ integrated pest management strategies that involve crop rotation, biological controls, and cultural practices to minimize infestation.

Can we keep Potato Beetle as our Pet?

The potato beetle, also known as the Colorado potato beetle, is an insect that can cause harm to potato plants. However, it is not suitable to keep potato beetles as pets. First of all, potato beetles are not domesticated animals, which means they are not accustomed to living with humans. They have specific needs and natural behaviors that are difficult to replicate in a home environment. Additionally, potato beetles are considered pests because they can destroy crops, particularly potato plants. Therefore, it is best to avoid inviting potato beetles into our homes.

Unfortunately, the potato beetle is not extinct. However, its population has been successfully controlled through various methods, including the use of insecticides and natural predators. Over the years, farmers and scientists have implemented strategies to prevent the spread of potato beetles and minimize their damage to crops. These efforts have greatly reduced the number of potato beetles, ensuring the survival of potato plants and the success of potato harvests.

In conclusion, keeping potato beetles as pets is not recommended. They are not domesticated animals and can cause harm to potato plants, which are an essential food source for many people. Although the potato beetle is not extinct, it is essential to protect our crops from their destructive nature. Let’s leave the care of potato beetles to the farmers and scientists who work hard to control their population and safeguard our food supply.

Size of Potato Beetle

The Potato Beetle is a small animal that can be found in many parts of the world. It is known for its bright yellow color with black stripes, which is why it is also sometimes called the Colorado Potato Beetle. This tiny creature can grow up to 12 millimeters long, which is about the same size as a small paperclip. Despite its small size, the Potato Beetle is a voracious eater and can cause a lot of damage to potato plants.

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Potato Beetles are a type of beetle that love to eat potato plants. They have a round body shape and six legs. Even though they are small, Potato Beetles can be quite harmful to crops. They have strong jaws that can chew through the leaves of potato plants, causing them to wilt and die. Farmers and gardeners must be careful to protect their potato plants from these pesky little insects.

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In conclusion, Potato Beetles are small insects that can cause big problems for potato plants. They are about the size of a small paperclip and have bright yellow bodies with black stripes. Even though they are tiny, Potato Beetles are strong eaters and can harm potato crops by chewing through the leaves. Farmers and gardeners need to be vigilant in order to protect their potato plants from these tiny but harmful creatures. It is important to take care of our crops and ensure that they are not damaged by pests like the Potato Beetle.

Habitat of Potato Beetle

The potato beetle is an animal that can be found in various habitats around the world. These habitats include gardens, fields, and farms. It prefers places where its main food source, the potato plant, can be found. The potato beetle is a small insect with a bright yellow body and black stripes on its back.

In gardens, potato beetles can be found crawling on the leaves and stems of potato plants. They use their sharp mandibles to chew through the leaves, which can cause damage to the plants. Farmers and gardeners often try to control the population of potato beetles to prevent their crops from being completely destroyed.

Fields are another common habitat for potato beetles. These creatures can be found hiding amongst the plants, waiting for their next meal. They are particularly attracted to fields with a high concentration of potato plants. Farmers use different methods, such as the use of pesticides or creating barriers, to protect their crops from being infested with potato beetles.

Potato beetles are adaptable creatures and can survive in many different environments. However, they thrive in warm and humid areas, where the potato plants grow best. These insects reproduce and lay their eggs on the underside of potato leaves, ensuring that their offspring have a ready supply of food when they hatch.

In summary, the habitat of the potato beetle includes gardens, fields, and farms with a high concentration of potato plants. These insects can be found crawling on the leaves and stems of the plants, causing damage to the crop. They prefer warm and humid environments where the potato plants grow abundantly. Farmers and gardeners must take measures to control the population of potato beetles to protect their crops from being destroyed.

Evolution of Potato Beetle

The potato beetle animal has a fascinating evolutionary history. Many years ago, potato beetles did not exist. Instead, their ancestors were creatures called blister beetles. Blister beetles were quite different from potato beetles in terms of appearance and diet. They had soft bodies and fed on plants other than potatoes.

Over time, a remarkable change took place. Some blister beetles started to adapt to the changing environment and began consuming potato plants. This adaptation allowed them to survive and reproduce more successfully. As a result, the population of blister beetles that specialized in eating potatoes gradually increased.

Through a process known as natural selection, these beetles further evolved and developed unique characteristics. They acquired a more robust body structure, which helped them withstand the defenses of potato plants, such as their toxic chemicals. Additionally, their color changed to a striking combination of orange and black, providing camouflage against predators.

Today, potato beetles have become well-adapted creatures specifically designed for living and feeding on potato plants. They have a hard exoskeleton that protects them while they eat the leaves, stems, and even the tubers of potatoes. However, their constant consumption of potatoes poses challenges for farmers, as they are considered pests that harm crops.

In summary, the potato beetle’s evolution from blister beetles to specialized potato feeders is a remarkable example of how a species can adapt to its environment. Through natural selection, these beetles transformed into distinctive creatures, perfectly suited for a diet of potatoes. Despite their resilience, they can sometimes cause problems for farmers due to their voracious appetite.

Classification of Potato Beetle

The potato beetle animal is classified as a type of insect. Insects are small creatures that have six legs and a three-part body, consisting of a head, thorax, and abdomen. They also have a hard outer covering called an exoskeleton, which helps protect their bodies.

The potato beetle animal belongs to a specific group of insects called beetles. Beetles are characterized by their hard wing covers, which protect their delicate wings. They have chewing mouthparts that enable them to eat and consume food. The potato beetle animal specifically belongs to the family Chrysomelidae.

Within the family Chrysomelidae, the potato beetle animal is classified as a member of the genus Leptinotarsa. A genus is a rank in the classification system that groups together similar species. The potato beetle animal includes two well-known species, the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) and the false potato beetle (Leptinotarsa juncta). These species are further divided into different subspecies based on their specific characteristics and geographical location.

In conclusion, the potato beetle animal falls within the classification of insects, specifically in the family Chrysomelidae and the genus Leptinotarsa. This small creature has six legs, a hard exoskeleton, and belongs to a group of insects known as beetles. It is important to study and understand the classification of animals as it helps us learn more about their characteristics and enables us to identify and differentiate between different species.

Types of Potato Beetle

1. Colorado Potato Beetle: This is the most common and destructive potato beetle species. It has a yellow and black striped body, and its larvae and adults feed on potato plants, causing damage to the leaves and stems.

2. Mexican Potato Beetle: Similar to the Colorado potato beetle, this species also damages potato crops. It has an orange and black striped body and feeds on potato foliage, reducing the plant’s ability to produce healthy potatoes.

3. Two-Spotted Potato Beetle: This beetle is found in various regions and is known for its two prominent black spots on its back. It feeds on potato leaves, leading to reduced photosynthesis and ultimately affecting the potato yields.

4. Ten-Lined Potato Beetle: With ten distinct black stripes on its yellow body, this beetle mainly targets potato plants. Its larvae consume the foliage, resulting in severe defoliation and decreased potato production.

5. Western Potato Flea Beetle: These tiny beetles are dark brown or black, and they jump when disturbed. Although adults feed on potato foliage, their damage is usually minimal compared to other potato beetles.

6. Pale Striped Flea Beetle: This small beetle has pale stripes on its body and can be found in potato fields. While it usually feeds on weeds, it can also chew on potato leaves, causing some damage.

7. Green Striped Potato Beetle: As the name suggests, this potato beetle species has green stripes on its body. Both the larvae and adults feed on potato plants, leading to leaf skeletonization and reduced plant vigor.

8. Small Potato Beetle: This beetle species is relatively smaller in size compared to others. The larvae and adults feed on potato foliage, destroying the plant’s ability to gather energy through photosynthesis.

9. Mottled Potato Beetle: Identified by its mottled brown and yellow coloration, this beetle species is mainly found in North America. Its larvae and adults damage potato plants by consuming their leaves.

10. Sumitrolimus Potato Beetle: This species is less common but still poses a threat to potato crops. It has a black and yellow body and primarily feeds on potato foliage, decreasing the plant’s overall health and productivity.

Geographical Presence of Potato Beetle

The Potato Beetle animal, also known as the Colorado Potato Beetle, is primarily found in the Americas. It is commonly found throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This region provides the suitable climate and habitat for the Potato Beetle to thrive. These beetles are particularly attracted to potato plants and can cause significant damage to the crop if not controlled.

On the other hand, the Potato Beetle is not found in other parts of the world such as Europe, Asia, and Africa. The climate and environmental conditions in these regions are not suitable for the survival and reproduction of the Potato Beetle. Therefore, farmers in these areas do not have to worry about the destructive impacts of this particular beetle on their potato crops.

Overall, the Potato Beetle is found mainly in the Americas where it poses a threat to potato plants. However, other regions around the world, including Europe, Asia, and Africa, do not have to deal with this particular pest. It is essential for farmers in affected areas to be aware of the presence of the Potato Beetle and take necessary measures to protect their potato crops.

Scientific Name of Potato Beetle

The scientific name of the potato beetle, also known as the Colorado potato beetle, is Leptinotarsa decemlineata. This beetle is a common pest that feeds on potato plants and can cause significant damage to potato crops. It is small in size, measuring about half a centimeter long, and has a distinctive yellow and black striped body.

The life cycle of the potato beetle consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The female beetle lays its eggs on the underside of the potato leaves. These eggs hatch into larvae, which are voracious eaters and can quickly defoliate potato plants if left unchecked. The larvae go through several molts before entering the pupa stage, where they undergo metamorphosis and develop into adult beetles.

The potato beetle is considered a major agricultural pest because it has a high reproductive rate and is resistant to many pesticides. Farmers often have to resort to using multiple control methods, including biological agents and crop rotation, to manage infestations. It is important to monitor potato fields regularly and take appropriate measures to limit the spread of the potato beetle to protect potato crops and ensure a healthy harvest.

Diet of Potato Beetle

The diet of the potato beetle animal consists mainly of plant leaves. These animals love munching on different types of plants, including potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers. They have a particular fondness for the leaves of these plants, which they use as a source of food and energy.

When the potato beetle animal feeds on the leaves, it uses its sharp mouthparts called mandibles to chew and consume the plant material. They can devour large amounts of leaves, which can sometimes cause damage to the plants. Farmers often consider the potato beetle as a pest because they can harm crops and reduce their yield.

One interesting fact about the potato beetle animal is that it has developed a unique defense mechanism known as “aposematism.” This means that their bodies have bright colors to warn predators about their toxicity. When they feed on the plants, they obtain certain chemicals that make them distasteful or even poisonous to predators. This helps them survive and prevent other animals from trying to eat them.

In conclusion, the potato beetle animal has a diet that consists of plant leaves such as potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers. They can eat large quantities of leaves, which can sometimes damage these plants. These animals have also developed a defense mechanism to protect themselves from predators, using bright colors to warn others about their toxicity.

Locomotion of Potato Beetle

The Potato Beetle animal moves in a very interesting way. It doesn’t use its legs like many other insects do. Instead, it moves using its wings. When it wants to go somewhere, it lifts its wings and moves them in a very fast motion. This motion creates a buzzing sound. The buzzing helps the Potato Beetle take off from the ground and fly through the air. It can then land wherever it wants to go.

But the Potato Beetle can’t fly for a very long time. It usually just flies short distances. When it wants to move on the ground, it uses its legs. They are quite small but strong enough to carry its body. The Potato Beetle animal walks by moving its legs in a coordinated way. It can walk in any direction it wants to go, even sideways or backwards. Overall, the Potato Beetle has a unique way of moving both in the air with its wings and on the ground with its small legs.

Social and Sexual Behaviour of Potato Beetle

Potato beetles are small insects that can be found in gardens and fields where potatoes are grown. These beetles have interesting social and sexual behaviors.

Firstly, potato beetles live in groups and communicate with each other. They use chemicals called pheromones to send signals to one another. These signals help them to find their mates and also warn others about any dangers. It’s like they have their own secret language!

Secondly, when it comes to mating, potato beetles have a unique behavior. The males attract females by releasing pheromones into the air. Once the female is nearby, the male shows off by flapping its wings and antennae. If the female is interested, she will respond by making a soft chirping sound. After mating, the female lays her eggs on the leaves of potato plants, ensuring future generations of these beetles.

In conclusion, potato beetles have fascinating social and sexual behaviors. They communicate through pheromones and live together in groups. When it’s time to mate, males use their wings and sounds to attract females. Studying these behaviors helps scientists understand more about the natural world and how different species interact with each other.

Reproduction and Lifecycle of Potato Beetle

The potato beetle is a fascinating insect with a unique life cycle. The life cycle of a potato beetle begins with an adult female laying eggs on the underside of potato leaves. These eggs are usually bright orange and are laid in clusters of about 20. After a few days, the eggs hatch and tiny larvae emerge.

The larvae of the potato beetle are voracious eaters and immediately start feeding on the potato leaves. They go through several growth stages, called instars, during which they shed their old skin and grow a new one. As they grow, the larvae change in appearance, from small and black to larger and reddish-orange.

After a few weeks of feeding, the larvae enter their final instar stage. At this point, they stop eating and search for a safe place to pupate. The pupa is the resting stage in the life cycle of a potato beetle and resembles a barrel-shaped capsule. Inside the pupa, the insect undergoes a remarkable transformation, developing into an adult beetle.

After a week or so, the adult beetles emerge from their pupae. They are small, oval-shaped insects with a bright yellow or orange body and black stripes. The adult beetles are ready to mate and start the life cycle all over again. They feed on the remaining leaves and lay their eggs on potato plants, continuing the cycle of life for the potato beetle.

In conclusion, the potato beetle goes through a fascinating life cycle that includes eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult stages. The larval stage is the longest, during which the beetles grow and develop. It is interesting to observe how these insects go through various changes and adaptations to ensure the survival of their species.

Threats to Potato Beetle

Potato beetles are insects that can cause harm to potato plants. However, like every living being, potato beetles also face threats from other animals in their environment. These threats can impact the population size and survival of the potato beetle.

One of the main threats to potato beetles comes from birds. Birds consider potato beetles a tasty snack and enjoy feasting on them. They use their sharp beaks to catch and eat the beetles, harming their population. Another threat beetles face is from frogs and toads. These amphibians have long tongues that can quickly snatch potato beetles, making them a convenient meal. This can impact the number of potato beetles present in an area.

Not only animals, but other insects can also pose a threat to potato beetles. Some species of wasps and flies lay their eggs inside potato beetle larvae. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae of these insects feed on the potato beetle larvae, leading to a decrease in their population. Additionally, ants are known to attack and kill potato beetles, further affecting their survival.

With all these threats, it becomes evident that potato beetles face challenges in their natural habitat. The interactions between animals, insects, and potato beetles play a crucial role in maintaining balance in the ecosystem. It is important to understand these dynamics to protect and conserve the potato beetle population and the overall health of the environment.

Population of Potato Beetle

The population of the Potato Beetle animal was once quite significant. It is estimated that there were millions of these beetles around the world. They were mainly found in regions where potatoes were grown, as they depended on these plants for their survival. However, due to their increasing numbers and voracious appetite for potato leaves, they became a pest for farmers.

Unfortunately, today the Potato Beetle is considered extinct. The overuse of pesticides and the development of more resistant potato varieties led to a decline in their population. Farmers used chemicals to control the beetles, but this only made them resistant and harder to kill. Eventually, the population decreased to such an extent that the Potato Beetle could no longer be found in the wild.

The extinction of the Potato Beetle is a reminder of the delicate balance of nature and the consequences of human actions. It serves as a lesson to not take any species for granted and to protect the biodiversity of our planet. The loss of the Potato Beetle may seem insignificant, but it is a part of a chain reaction in the ecosystem that can have unforeseen consequences on other organisms.

Conclusion

Overall, learning about the Potato Beetle has been quite fascinating. These small creatures have a rich history and interesting facts that make them worth exploring. They are widely found in North America and have undergone a unique journey to become the pest they are today. The size of the Potato Beetle varies but it is generally around half an inch long, making it easily recognizable.

The habitat of the Potato Beetle is quite diverse, as it can survive in different regions with temperate climates. From farms to gardens, these little creatures can be found feasting on potato leaves and causing damage to crops. Their classification as a beetle sets them apart from other insects, with their distinctive shape and colors. They have a specific taste for potatoes, which has earned them their name.

In conclusion, the Potato Beetle is a remarkable animal with a long history and interesting characteristics. Its small size and distinct coloring make it easily recognizable, while its habitat spans various regions. Despite their charm, these creatures can cause damage to crops, particularly potatoes. Understanding the history, facts, size, habitat, and classification of the Potato Beetle allows us to appreciate the uniqueness of this animal.

Frequently Asked Questions about Potato Beetle (FAQ’s)

Q: What is a potato beetle?

A: The potato beetle, also known as the Colorado potato beetle or Leptinotarsa decemlineata, is a small insect that belongs to the family Chrysomelidae.

Q: Where are potato beetles commonly found?

A: They are commonly found in North America, Europe, and Asia, particularly in areas where potatoes and other similar crops are grown.

Q: How does a potato beetle look like?

A: The adult potato beetle has an oval-shaped body, about half an inch long, with a bright yellow or orange color and black stripes on its wing covers.

Q: What do potato beetles eat?

A: Potato beetles primarily feed on the leaves of potato plants, but they can also feed on other plants from the nightshade family, such as tomatoes and eggplants.

Q: How long does the lifecycle of a potato beetle last?

A: The lifecycle of a potato beetle lasts about 30 to 45 days from egg to adult, depending on environmental conditions.

Q: Are potato beetles harmful to potato crops?

A: Yes, potato beetles can be harmful to potato crops as they voraciously feed on the leaves, potentially reducing yield and quality.

Q: How does a potato beetle cause damage to crops?

A: Potato beetles cause damage to crops by consuming the foliage, which can reduce the plant’s ability to photosynthesize and eventually kill the plant if the infestation is severe.

Q: Are potato beetles resistant to pesticides?

A: Over time, some populations of potato beetles have developed resistance to certain pesticides, making control more challenging.

Q: How can potato beetle infestations be managed?

A: Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, such as crop rotation, early detection, removing or destroying beetle eggs, and targeted pesticide use, can help manage potato beetle infestations.

Q: Can natural predators help control potato beetle populations?

A: Yes, natural predators like birds, spiders, ground beetles, and parasitic wasps can help control potato beetle populations by feeding on their eggs, larvae, and adults.

Q: Are potato beetles a threat to humans?

A: Potato beetles are not a direct threat to humans; however, they can indirectly affect humans by damaging potato crops, potentially leading to food shortages and increased prices.

Q: Can potato beetles spread diseases to humans?

A: Potato beetles do not spread diseases to humans. They primarily affect plants and are not known to transmit any known human diseases.

Q: Do potato beetles have any natural defense mechanisms?

A: Potato beetles have various defense mechanisms, including producing a foul-smelling secretion when disturbed and playing dead to evade predation.

Q: Can potato beetles be beneficial in any way?

A: While potato beetles are generally considered pests, some studies suggest that they might have ecological benefits by providing food for other organisms in their local ecosystems.

Q: Can potato beetles adapt to different environments?

A: Potato beetles have shown the ability to adapt and survive in different environments, which has contributed to their widespread distribution.

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