Gastrophysa

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Chrysomeloidea
Family: Chrysomelidae
Subfamily: Chrysomelinae
Tribe: Chrysomelini
Subtribe: Chrysomelina
Genus: Gastrophysa

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Gastrophysa: /ɡastrəˈfaɪsə/

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Summary

Gastrophysa viridula, the green dock beetle, is a species of beetle native to Europe characterized by its metallic green body and specific feeding habits on dock plants. It has a distinct life cycle and reproductive habits, with a lifespan that varies based on environmental conditions.

Physical Characteristics

Males are 4 mm, females are 7 mm long; both sexes are green with a metallic shimmer that can appear gold green, blue, purple, violet, or red; legs are metallic green and strongly built; antennae are medium in length and serrated.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctive metallic shimmer and the size difference; males are smaller than females. The eggs are cream to yellow, turning orange before hatching.

Habitat

Found in heathlands, forests, meadows, and gardens, especially around plant dock (Rumex), the food plant.

Distribution

Common in central Europe and widespread in Britain, extending east into western Siberia and the Caucasus Mountains.

Diet

Primarily feeds on dock and green sorrel, with rare instances of feeding on other plants in the families Polygonaceae, Brassicaceae, Violaceae, and Boraginaceae. Larvae can only develop on Rumex species.

Life Cycle

Breeding season is from March to October with 2 to 4 broods per year; the last brood hibernates as adults. Females lay over 1,000 eggs in clusters of 20 to 45. Eggs hatch in 3 to 6 days, and larvae undergo three instars before pupating in the ground.

Reproduction

Females lay eggs on the underside of leaves of the food plant; eggs are oval, initially cream to yellow, and turn orange before hatching.

Similar Taxa

Gastrophysa cyanea

Misconceptions

The name 'green dock beetle' can refer to both Gastrophysa viridula and Gastrophysa cyanea, potentially leading to confusion.