Scelolyperus smaragdinus

The emerald green coloration is the primary distinguishing feature. Similar species in the genus Scelolyperus and related galerucine leaf beetles may be distinguished by color pattern, body proportions, and male genitalia (requiring microscopic examination). The skeletonizing feeding damage on host plants may indicate presence but is not diagnostic to species level.

Specific habitat preferences are not well documented. Based on genus-level patterns, likely associated with herbaceous vegetation and woody plants in temperate North American habitats.

North America. Specific range details beyond continental distribution are not available in the sources consulted.

Leaf tissue; as a skeletonizing leaf beetle, feeds on the mesophyll between leaf veins, leaving the vascular skeleton intact. Specific host plant records are not available.

Herbivore; contributes to leaf damage on host plants. As a skeletonizing feeder, may have different ecological impacts than hole-feeding leaf beetles by leaving vascular tissue intact.

No significant documented economic or agricultural impact. Not known to be a pest of cultivated plants.

• Other Scelolyperus speciesCongeneric species share similar body form and skeletonizing habits; coloration and detailed morphology required for separation
• Other Galerucinae leaf beetlesMany galerucines are green and skeletonize leaves; genus-level characters require examination of tarsal structure and genitalia

• skeletonizing leaf beetle
• emerald green
• North American
• Chrysomelidae
• Galerucinae
• herbivore
• leaf feeder

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Sphecidae | Beetles In The Bush
• Erebidae | Beetles In The Bush | Page 2