Case-bearing-leaf-beetle
Guides
Anomoea laticlavia
Clay-colored Leaf Beetle, Persimmon Beetle
Anomoea laticlavia is a case-bearing leaf beetle native to central and eastern North America. Adults measure 7–12 mm and display distinctive reddish-brown elytra with a variable-width black suture. The species belongs to the unranked taxon Camptosomata, characterized by larvae that construct portable cases from fecal material and shed skins. Adults feed on leaves of various host plants including legumes, persimmons, oaks, willows, and ragweed, while larvae are subterranean root or litter feeders. Some Florida populations have been recognized as a distinct subspecies.
Coleorozena lecontii
Coleorozena lecontii is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It occurs in North America, with records from British Columbia, Canada. The species was originally described by Crotch in 1873.
Coleothorpa axillaris quadratominor
Coleothorpa axillaris quadratominor is a subspecies of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by Moldenke in 1970. The species is part of the genus Coleothorpa, which belongs to the tribe Clytrini within the subfamily Cryptocephalinae. Members of this genus construct protective cases from fecal material, a characteristic behavior of the Clytrini. The subspecific epithet 'quadratominor' suggests a diminutive or reduced quadrate (square) feature relative to the nominate subspecies.
Coleothorpa vittigera
case-bearing leaf beetle
Coleothorpa vittigera is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species was first described by J.L. LeConte in 1861. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate form C. v. vittigera and C. v. arizonensis described by Horn in 1892. The species is native to North America.
Coscinoptera aeneipennis
Bronze-winged Cryptocephaline
Coscinoptera aeneipennis is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. The specific epithet 'aeneipennis' refers to the bronze-colored wings. As a member of the Cryptocephalinae, larvae construct protective cases from fecal material and shed skins.
Cryptocephalus badius
Bay-necked Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus badius is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It occurs in North America and is known by the common name Bay-necked Cryptocephalus. As a member of the genus Cryptocephalus, it belongs to a group of beetles commonly referred to as case-bearers due to their habit of constructing protective cases from fecal material and shed skins.
Cryptocephalus calidus
Fiery Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus calidus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, native to North America. It is commonly known as the Fiery Cryptocephalus due to its coloration. The species belongs to a genus whose members are characterized by larvae that construct portable cases from fecal material and shed skins. As with other Cryptocephalus species, adults are typically found on vegetation where they feed on leaves.
Cryptocephalus cerinus
Cryptocephalus cerinus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America. The species was described by B. White in 1937 and includes two recognized subspecies: C. c. cerinus and C. c. nevadensis. As a member of the genus Cryptocephalus, adults and larvae construct and carry protective cases from their own fecal material and shed skins, a distinctive trait of the group.
Cryptocephalus confluentus
Confluent Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus confluentus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1824. The species occurs in North America and is one of approximately 1,200 species in the genus Cryptocephalus. Two subspecies are recognized: C. c. confluentus and C. c. melanoscelus. Like other members of the genus, adults possess the characteristic hardened case formed by the enlarged elytra and pronotum that protects the head and appendages when disturbed.
Cryptocephalus duryi
Tamaulipan Freckled Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus duryi is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Schaeffer in 1906. It is known from North America, with iNaturalist records documenting 17 observations. The species belongs to a genus of leaf beetles characterized by larvae that construct portable cases from fecal material and shed skins.
Cryptocephalus incertus
Uncertain Case-bearing Leaf Beetle
Cryptocephalus incertus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America, with distribution records from Ontario and Québec in Canada. The species was described by Olivier in 1808. As a member of the genus Cryptocephalus, it belongs to a group of leaf beetles known for their distinctive case-bearing behavior, where larvae construct and carry protective cases from their own fecal material and host plant debris.
Cryptocephalus leucomelas
Bi-blotched Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus leucomelas is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, measuring 4.0–6.0 mm in length. It is distributed across North America, including the United States and Canada. The species belongs to a genus commonly known as case-bearing leaf beetles, with larvae that construct protective cases from fecal material and shed skins. Three subspecies have been described: C. l. leucomelas, C. l. trisignatus, and C. l. vitticollis.
Cryptocephalus maccus
Clown-faced Cryptocephalus, Clown face
Cryptocephalus maccus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by R. White in 1968. The species is known by the common names "Clown-faced Cryptocephalus" and "Clown face," the latter referencing its distinctive coloration. It occurs in North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in the available literature. Like other members of the genus Cryptocephalus, adults are likely associated with vegetation where they feed and reproduce.
Cryptocephalus mutabilis
Shield-backed Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus mutabilis is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Canada (Manitoba, Ontario, and Québec). The species belongs to a large genus of small to medium-sized leaf beetles commonly known as case-bearers due to their habit of constructing protective cases from fecal material and shed skins.
Cryptocephalus obsoletus
obsoletus case-bearing leaf beetle
Cryptocephalus obsoletus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate C. o. obsoletus and C. o. indistinctus (described by R. White in 1968). The species is distributed across North America. As with other members of the genus, larvae construct portable cases from fecal material and shed skins, earning the common name "case-bearing" leaf beetles.
Cryptocephalus optimus
Happy Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus optimus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Schöller in 2002. The species is found in North America. Very little specific biological information is available for this species beyond its taxonomic placement and general distribution.
Cryptocephalus pseudomaccus
Cryptocephalus pseudomaccus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by R. White in 1968 and is known to occur in North America. As a member of the genus Cryptocephalus, it belongs to a group of leaf beetles characterized by their habit of constructing protective cases from their own fecal material.
Cryptocephalus pumilus
Pale Coastal Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus pumilus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Haldeman in 1849. It is known from North America, with iNaturalist observations suggesting it may be associated with coastal or near-coastal habitats based on its common name. Like other members of the genus Cryptocephalus, adults construct protective cases from fecal material and shed exuviae that cover the abdomen. The species is part of a large genus of leaf beetles, many of which are associated with specific host plants.
Cryptocephalus striatulus
Narrow-headed Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus striatulus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America, with records from Québec, Canada. The species was described by LeConte in 1880. As a member of the genus Cryptocephalus, it likely exhibits the characteristic behavior of larvae that construct and carry protective cases from fecal material and shed exuviae.
Cryptocephalus tinctus
Tinged Case-bearing Leaf Beetle
Cryptocephalus tinctus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to North America, with records from the United States and Canada including Québec. As a member of the genus Cryptocephalus, it possesses the characteristic case-bearing habit where larvae construct portable cases from fecal material and shed exoskeletons. The specific epithet "tinctus" (Latin for "tinged" or "dyed") likely refers to subtle coloration differences from related species.
Cryptocephalus triundulatus
Third-wave Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus triundulatus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by R. White in 1968. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with herbaceous vegetation and has been collected by sweeping plants in prairie and sand prairie habitats.
Cryptocephalus trizonatus
Tri-banded Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus trizonatus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is characterized by three distinct bands or zones on its elytra, which gives rise to both its scientific name ('trizonatus' meaning 'three-zoned') and its common name. It occurs across Central America and North America, with 43 observations documented on iNaturalist. Like other members of the genus Cryptocephalus, it is associated with vegetation and has been collected by sweeping herbaceous plants.
Diachus auratus
bronze leaf beetle
Diachus auratus, commonly known as the bronze leaf beetle, is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species exhibits a remarkably broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents including Australia, the Caribbean, Central America, North America, Oceania, South America, and Southern Asia. As a member of the Cryptocephalinae subfamily, it shares the characteristic protective case-bearing behavior of its relatives. The species was originally described by Fabricius in 1801 under the basionym Cryptocephalus auratus.
Diplacaspis
Diplacaspis is a genus of warty leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, established by Jacobson in 1924. The genus contains at least three described species: Diplacaspis chlamysoides, Diplacaspis pectoralis, and Diplacaspis prosternalis. These beetles belong to the subfamily Cryptocephalinae, commonly known as warty leaf beetles or case-bearing leaf beetles. The genus is poorly documented in scientific literature, with limited information available on its biology and ecology.
Griburius montezuma
Montezuma Griburius
Griburius montezuma is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. It has been documented at ultraviolet and mercury-vapor light traps in montane oak-pine woodland habitats in southeastern Arizona.
Lexiphanes mexicanus
Mexican case-bearing leaf beetle
Lexiphanes mexicanus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cryptocephalinae. The species belongs to the tribe Clytrini, whose larvae construct portable cases from fecal material and plant debris. It occurs in both Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Lexiphanes, it exhibits the characteristic cryptocephaline morphology with a compact body form adapted for leaf-feeding.
Lexiphanes saponatus
Lexiphanes saponatus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was the first Nearctic member of the subfamily Cryptocephalinae to have its immature stages described. The species exhibits distinctive larval adaptations including the ability to climb and move on its host plant, unlike most other Cryptocephalinae larvae which are confined to leaf litter. Its larva displays remarkable camouflage by mimicking plant buds.
Megalostomis dimidiata
Megalostomis dimidiata is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cryptocephalinae. The species was described by Lacordaire in 1848 and has undergone extensive taxonomic revision, with seven former subspecies or related species now synonymized under this name. It occurs in Central and North America. As a member of the Clytrini tribe, it likely exhibits the case-bearing larval behavior characteristic of this group, though specific details for this species remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Megalostomis pyropyga
Megalostomis pyropyga is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in Central America and North America. The species was described by Lacordaire in 1848. As a member of the case-bearing leaf beetles, it likely constructs protective cases from its own fecal material, a characteristic trait of its subfamily Cryptocephalinae.
Neochlamisus bebbianae
warty leaf beetle
Neochlamisus bebbianae is a small case-bearing leaf beetle in the tribe Chlamisini, commonly known as warty leaf beetles. This species has been extensively studied as a model system for ecological speciation, with populations forming distinct host forms specialized on different plant species across six genera in five families. Research has demonstrated host-associated ecological divergence, reproductive isolation, and ongoing speciation processes. The species is part of a complex where different host forms show pre- and post-mating reproductive barriers.
Neochlamisus chamaedaphnes
Neochlamisus chamaedaphnes is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the tribe Chlamisini, commonly known as warty leaf beetles. Members of this genus are renowned for their remarkable frass-mimicry crypsis—when disturbed, they retract their head, legs, and antennae into precisely matched grooves, becoming nearly indistinguishable from caterpillar droppings. The species epithet references its association with leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), a bog plant in the Ericaceae family. This species occurs in eastern Canada and presumably adjacent northeastern United States.
Pachybrachis atomarius
Pachybrachis atomarius is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, distributed across North America. The genus Pachybrachis comprises small leaf beetles that carry their eggs and larvae in protective cases constructed from fecal material. This species has been documented in Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia) and presumably occurs throughout much of the United States given the broad North American distribution reported.
Pachybrachis caelatus
Pale Western Engraved Pachy
Pachybrachis caelatus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1858. It is found in North America. The species belongs to a genus of small leaf beetles commonly known as 'scriptured leaf beetles' due to their often intricate elytral patterns.
Pachybrachis fortis
Pachybrachis fortis is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Fall in 1915. It belongs to a genus characterized by the habit of carrying larval cases, a trait reflected in the common name "case-bearing leaf beetles." The species is documented from North America, though specific details regarding its biology and ecology remain limited in available sources.
Pachybrachis gilberti
Pachybrachis gilberti is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Barney in 2019. The genus Pachybrachis contains numerous small, often colorful leaf beetles commonly known as 'scriptured leaf beetles' due to their frequently ornate elytral patterns. This species was documented during a 2021 collecting trip in southeastern Arizona, where specimens were attracted to ultraviolet and mercury-vapor light stations in mesquite-acacia scrub habitat. As a recently described species, detailed natural history information remains limited.
Pachybrachis hector
Pachybrachis hector is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Fall in 1915. It belongs to a genus of small leaf beetles known for their rounded, convex bodies and enlarged hind femora. The species is known from North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented.
Pachybrachis hybridus
Red Split-necked Pachy
Pachybrachis hybridus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. Commonly known as the Red Split-necked Pachy, this small beetle is found in Central America and North America. The genus Pachybrachis contains numerous species that are often challenging to distinguish, and many require expert identification.
Pachybrachis immaculatus
Pachybrachis immaculatus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species was described by Jacoby in 1889. As a member of the genus Pachybrachis, it belongs to a group commonly known as scriptured leaf beetles, recognized for their often intricate elytral patterns. Very little specific information about this particular species has been documented in the available literature.
Pachybrachis impurus
Pachybrachis impurus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America. The genus Pachybrachis is characterized by small, rounded beetles with enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. Adults typically feed on foliage of various plants, while larvae develop within protective cases constructed from fecal material and plant debris.
Pachybrachis integratus
Pachybrachis integratus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Fall in 1915. Like other members of the genus, it belongs to the subfamily Cryptocephalinae, characterized by larvae that construct protective cases from fecal material and shed exoskeletons. The species is documented from North America, with specific records from the southwestern United States including Arizona.
Pachybrachis m-nigrum
Pachybrachis m-nigrum is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Melsheimer in 1847. The specific epithet 'm-nigrum' refers to a distinctive black marking shaped like the letter 'M' on the elytra. Like other members of the genus Pachybrachis, it constructs protective cases from fecal material. The species is documented from eastern Canada and has been recorded in the southwestern United States.
Pachybrachis macronychus
Pachybrachis macronychus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species was described by Fall in 1915. It is known from North America. Like other members of the genus, it likely inhabits vegetation in arid and semi-arid regions, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Pachybrachis marginatus
Pachybrachis marginatus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Bowditch in 1909. It belongs to the subfamily Cryptocephalinae, a group known for larvae that construct and carry protective cases from fecal material and shed exoskeletons. The species is native to North America.
Pachybrachis marmoratus
Pachybrachis marmoratus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The genus Pachybrachis comprises small, convex beetles that construct protective cases from fecal material and shed exuviae, a trait shared with other members of the subfamily Cryptocephalinae. This species occurs in both Central America and North America.
Pachybrachis nobilis
Pachybrachis nobilis is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Fall in 1915. It belongs to a genus of small, often colorful beetles commonly known as scriptured leaf beetles. The species is recorded from North America, though specific details regarding its biology and ecology remain limited in the available literature.
Pachybrachis picturatus
Pachybrachis picturatus is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cryptocephalinae. The genus Pachybrachis contains numerous small, often colorfully patterned species commonly known as case-bearing leaf beetles due to the larval habit of constructing protective cases from fecal material. This species was described by Germar in 1824 and occurs in North America.
Pachybrachis quadratus
Pachybrachis quadratus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Fall in 1915. It is found in North America. Members of the genus Pachybrachis are commonly known as "scriptured leaf beetles" due to the intricate patterns on their elytra. The species has been documented in field collections from mesquite and oak habitats in the southwestern United States.
Pachybrachis subvittatus
Pachybrachis subvittatus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is a small beetle belonging to a genus of flea beetles and case-bearers distributed across North America. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1880. Like other members of its genus, it likely carries its eggs in cases constructed from fecal material, a characteristic trait of the Cryptocephalinae subfamily.
Pachybrachis texasensis
Pachybrachis texasensis is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Robert J. Barney in 2021. The species is part of the diverse genus Pachybrachis, which contains numerous small, often colorful beetles associated with various host plants. As a recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited.
Pachybrachis uteanus
A case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Fall in 1915. The species is known from North America. As a member of the genus Pachybrachis, it belongs to a group commonly referred to as case-bearing leaf beetles due to the habit of larvae constructing protective cases from fecal material and shed skins.