Case-bearing-leaf-beetles
Guides
Agrilus obsoletoguttatus
Beech Borer
Agrilus obsoletoguttatus is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, native to North America. It is among the smallest jewel beetle species utilized as prey by the specialist predatory wasp Cerceris fumipennis, which provisions its underground nests with paralyzed buprestid beetles. The species has been documented in nest caches containing up to 13 individuals, reflecting its small size relative to larger buprestid prey.
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case-bearing leaf beetles
Griburius is a genus of case-bearing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cryptocephalinae. The genus contains approximately six described species in the United States, with additional species distributed throughout the Neotropical Region. A 2022 taxonomic revision revised nine species in the G. posticatus species group, transferred one species from Metallactus, proposed multiple synonymies, and described two new Brazilian species. Members of this genus are characterized by their case-bearing habit, where larvae construct protective cases from fecal material and shed skins.
Lexiphanes
Lexiphanes is a genus of case-bearing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cryptocephalinae, containing approximately 17 described species. The genus is distributed across North and South America, with species recorded from eastern Brazil to northern North America. Members of this genus are associated with specific host plants, with documented associations including Cassandra calyculata and Waltheria indica.
Megalostomis
Megalostomis is a genus of case-bearing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cryptocephalinae. The genus contains 42 valid species following a 2013 taxonomic revision, with most species distributed in the Americas. Members of this genus are notable for their ant associations and case-bearing larval biology. The genus is divided into seven subgenera, including the arid-adapted subgenus Scaphigenia found in South America.
Triachus
case-bearing leaf beetles
Triachus is a small genus of case-bearing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, established by J.L. LeConte in 1880. The genus contains five described species distributed in North America. Members of this genus are classified within the tribe Clytrini, which is characterized by larvae that construct portable cases from their own fecal material mixed with plant debris. Adults are leaf-feeding beetles.