Altica subplicata

LeConte, 1859

willow leaf beetle

Altica subplicata, commonly known as the willow , is a flea beetle that feeds exclusively on willows (Salix spp.). It occurs across much of North America from southern Texas to southern Canada. Both larval and stages feed on plant leaves, and the exhibits on individual plants. Heavy herbivory can significantly reduce host plant growth, increase mortality, and influence sand dune patterns.

CNC COLEO 00151709+1347900538 by CNC/CBG Photography Group, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Altica subplicata: /ˈæltɪkə sʌbplɪˈkeɪtə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Habitat

Associated with patches of Salix cordata (sand dune willow) growing on sand dunes, particularly along lake shorelines. Beetles congregate heavily on smaller willow plants (1–3 feet in height), while taller plants are relatively untouched.

Distribution

Ranges from southern Texas to southern Canada, spanning from British Columbia to Quebec. Documented from Lake Huron shoreline, Missouri, and sand dune across this broad North American range.

Diet

herbivore feeding on Salix . Both larvae and consume leaves of the plant.

Host Associations

  • Salix cordata - primary sand dune willow; primary for feeding and
  • Salix - -level association documented

Life Cycle

Includes larval and stages. Larvae feed on plant foliage. occurs in soil, with soil moisture influencing pupation . No larvae were found on foliage in one field observation despite heavy adult feeding, suggesting larvae may feed on roots or pupate in soil.

Behavior

Exhibits on individual plants based on presence of conspecifics. Mark-recapture experiments show higher rates on plants already containing beetles compared to plants where beetles were removed. Sex does not influence colonization behavior; both males and females colonize plants regardless of sex of beetles already present. Does not aggregate at larger spatial containing many host plants.

Ecological Role

Acts as an engineer affecting sand dune . Heavy herbivory reduces growth, , and survival of Salix cordata, leading to increased plant mortality and potential local extinction of willow patches. This reduces dune stabilization by willows and alters vegetation structure, facilitating increases in herbaceous plants and decreases in other woody plants, thereby influencing successional dynamics.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Altica speciesLarge, diverse ; A. subplicata distinguished by association with willow , though other willow-associated may exist within its range

More Details

Research significance

This has been extensively studied for its effects on plant and dynamics, particularly in sand dune systems where its herbivory on Salix cordata can alter -level patterns over multi-year periods.

Aggregation mechanism

The appears driven by presence rather than plant quality cues, representing a form of social facilitation in plant .

Sources and further reading