Chrysomelidae

Guides

Acallepitrix nitens
Acallepitrix nitens is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by Horn in 1889. The species is native to North America and belongs to a genus of small leaf beetles known for their jumping ability, enabled by enlarged hind femora. Very little specific biological information has been published for this particular species.
Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Alticinae flea-beetle leaf-beetle North-America
Acalymma
striped cucumber beetles, cucumber beetles
Acalymma is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae comprising approximately 72 described species in the Western Hemisphere. The genus is primarily distributed in the New World, with most species occurring in North America including Mexico. Two species, A. vittatum (striped cucumber beetle) and A. trivittatum (western striped cucumber beetle), are major agricultural pests of cucurbit crops. Acalymma species are specialists on plants in the family Cucurbitaceae, with adults feeding on leaves, flowers, and fruit, and larvae feeding on roots.
leaf-beetle Chrysomelidae cucurbit-specialist agricultural-pest bacterial-wilt-vector aggregation-pheromone vittatalactone New-World North-America Mexico integrated-pest-management biological-control chemical-ecology RNAi-target
Acalymma blandulum
Acalymma blandulum is a skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species was revised taxonomically in 1980, which established three recognized subspecies with distinct geographic distributions in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It belongs to the genus Acalymma, which includes several agriculturally significant cucurbit-feeding species.
leaf-beetle Chrysomelidae skeletonizing-beetle Acalymma North-America Mexico taxonomy subspecies
Acalymma peregrinum
Acalymma peregrinum is a skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The genus Acalymma includes several economically important agricultural pests, though specific information about A. peregrinum's biology and ecology is limited in available sources.
Chrysomelidae Coleoptera skeletonizing-leaf-beetle North-America Central-America
Acalymma trivittatum
Western Striped Cucumber Beetle
Acalymma trivittatum, the western striped cucumber beetle, is a specialist leaf beetle native to western North America. It is a key agricultural pest of cucurbit crops including melons, cucumbers, squash, and pumpkins. The species is closely related to the eastern striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma vittatum), with which it shares similar biology and damage potential. Both adults and larvae cause significant economic injury through direct feeding damage and transmission of bacterial wilt pathogen Erwinia tracheiphila.
agricultural-pest cucurbit-specialist bacterial-wilt-vector western-North-America Chrysomelidae integrated-pest-management pheromone-attraction
Acalymma vittatum
striped cucumber beetle
Acalymma vittatum, the striped cucumber beetle, is a chrysomelid beetle native to eastern North America and a serious agricultural pest of cucurbit crops. Adults and larvae both feed on host plants, with adults damaging foliage, flowers, and fruit while larvae feed on roots. The species is a vector of Erwinia tracheiphila, the causal agent of bacterial wilt, which can destroy susceptible crops. Males produce an aggregation pheromone, vittatalactone, that attracts both sexes to host plants and facilitates mate finding. The species is replaced west of the Rocky Mountains by the western striped cucumber beetle, Acalymma trivittatum.
agricultural-pest cucurbit-specialist disease-vector pheromone-communication North-American-native Chrysomelidae root-feeder foliage-feeder
Acanthoscelides aureolus
Licorice Seed Beetle
Acanthoscelides aureolus is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the Licorice Seed Beetle. It is distributed across Central America and North America, with records extending as far north as Alberta, Canada. The genus Acanthoscelides is known for seed-feeding beetles, many of which are associated with leguminous plants.
Chrysomelidae leaf-beetle seed-beetle North-America Central-America legume-pest
Acanthoscelides calvus
Acanthoscelides calvus is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Horn in 1873. The species is distributed across North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Larvae have been documented feeding specifically on seeds of Crocanthemum, a genus in the rockrose family (Cistaceae).
leaf-beetle Chrysomelidae seed-predator Crocanthemum North-America
Acanthoscelides chiricahuae
Acanthoscelides chiricahuae is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by Fall in 1910. The species is found in Central America and North America, with the specific epithet suggesting a connection to the Chiricahua region of southeastern Arizona. As a member of the subfamily Bruchinae (seed beetles), it likely develops in seeds of leguminous host plants, though specific host associations have not been documented in the available sources.
leaf-beetle seed-beetle Bruchinae Chrysomelidae Coleoptera
Acanthoscelides margaretae
a. margaretae or near
Acanthoscelides margaretae is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Johnson in 1970. It belongs to a genus of seed beetles commonly associated with leguminous plants. The species is known from North America, though detailed biological information remains limited.
leaf-beetle Chrysomelidae seed-beetle North-America Coleoptera
Acanthoscelides seminulum
Acanthoscelides seminulum is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by Horn in 1873. The species is found in North America, with records from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. As a member of the genus Acanthoscelides, it belongs to a group commonly known as bean weevils or seed beetles, many of which are associated with leguminous plants.
leaf-beetle Chrysomelidae seed-beetle North-America Canadian-prairies
Acanthoscelides tenuis
Acanthoscelides tenuis is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Bottimer in 1935. The species belongs to a genus whose members are commonly known as bean weevils or seed beetles, with larvae typically developing inside legume seeds. It is known to occur in North America, with records from the United States and Canada.
leaf-beetle Chrysomelidae seed-beetle North-America
Acrocyum sallaei
Acrocyum sallaei is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Martin Jacoby in 1885. The genus Acrocyum is small and poorly documented, with limited published information on its biology. Records indicate presence in Middle and North America, though specific details about its ecology and natural history remain sparse. The species is rarely encountered in collections and has minimal observational data.
leaf-beetle Chrysomelidae rarely-observed understudied
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.
Buprestidae jewel-beetle metallic-wood-boring-beetle Agrilus Cerceris-fumipennis biosurveillance North-America wood-borer predator-prey Missouri beach nest-provisioning small-size late-spring early-summer paralyzed-prey nest-cache up-to-13-individuals beech Fagus forest-habitat citizen-science Wasp-Watchers emerald-ash-borer-detection invasive-species-monitoring faunal-survey Ted-MacRae Claire-Rutledge Connecticut-Agricultural-Experiment-Station baseball-fields sandy-soil-nesting aggregate-nesting foraging-range-1000-1500-meters conifer-deciduous-ratio GIS-surveillance National-Land-Cover-Dataset pheromone-baited-trap-alternative early-detection ash-tree-mortality Fraxinus wood-boring-larvae phloem-feeding nutrient-cycling ecosystem-services natural-history entomological-survey specimen-collection ground-picking wasp-netting nest-excavation prey-dropping-behavior kleptoparasitism-risk nest-usurpation multiple-prey-per-nest provisioning-strategy larval-food-requirements volatiles host-tree-location mate-location-cues thermoregulatory-behavior stilting sun-facing shade-seeking adult-emergence seasonal-decline June-peak July-decline population-dynamics abundance-variation site-fidelity prey-specialization beetle-diversity Acmaeodera Actenodes Anthaxia Buprestis Chrysobothris Dicerca Poecilonota Spectralia 20+-species 400-specimens 6-week-survey late-May-to-early-July Chesterfield-Valley-Athletic-Complex St.-Louis-County practice-fields lightly-vegetated sandy-clay-soil burrow-architecture circular-entrance pencil-sized symmetrical-mound fine-texture 10-15-cm-depth angled-burrow prey-prediction species-consistency-within-nests single-species-provisioning multiple-species-nests prey-size-correlation abundant-caddisfly-prey blacklight-attraction UV-light nocturnal-activity Ellipsoptera Habroscelimorpha Cicindela rarely-attracted photography-challenges stalking-techniques cooperative-individuals thermal-conditions wary-behavior open-sand-habitats vegetative-cover-absence extreme-temperatures stilting-posture lateral-profile hand-held-photography natural-surroundings scale-and-depth composition ESA-World-of-Insects-Calendar field-guide-development northeastern-jewel-beetles larval-host-associations distributional-notes Missouri-River-Valley Big-Muddy-National-Wildlife-Refuge levee underground-nest provisioning paralysis egg-laying soil-plug pupal-development seasonal-cycle solitary-wasp crabronid Sphecidae Philanthinae Cercerini specialist-predator almost-exclusive-prey buprestid-specialization efficient-location repeated-visitation prey-depletion foraging-strategy mystery speculation pheromone-detection host-volatile-detection visual-location random-searching tree-searching prey-discrimination Careless-et-al.-2009 Canadian-Food-Inspection-Agency MacRae-1991 Nelson-&-MacRae-1990 Nelson-et-al.-1996 MacRae-&-Nelson-2003 MacRae-2004 MacRae-2006 Pearson-et-al.-2006 Erwin-&-Pearson-2008 field-identification morphological-characters elytral-punctation setal-patterns hump-armature hooks tiger-beetle-larvae Tetracha Cicindelidia Amblycheila Omus white-margined-pronotum eye-size head-capsule jaws burrow-sealing alien-appearance predator-avoidance prey-capture traction struggling-prey burrow-vulnerability predation-risk field-techniques grass-stem-guide soil-removal burrow-relocation tiger-beetle-experience nest-identification active-nest fresh-prey abandoned-prey dropped-prey threat-response prey-relocation nest-entrance digging-behavior prey-retrieval predictive-capacity species-identification nest-contents prey-abundance wasp-activity-decline beetle-activity-decline coincident-timing Missouri-phenology observation-period nest-excavation-method effort-comparison direct-theft prey-carrying-wasps flight-pattern-recognition thick-thoraxed-appearance slow-straight-flight erratic-dipping-flight search-image-refinement smaller-beetle-capture species-bias visual-bias larger-beetle-preference netting-technique prey-dropping-observation close-approach net-swipe escape-response abandoned-beetle-accumulation nest-entrance-accumulation digging-mixing collection-protocol nest-checking burrow-spreading knife trowel hidden-beetles maximum-count 13-individuals smallest-species site-utilization prey-size-comparison single-large-prey multiple-small-prey provisioning-logic larval-development food-adequacy prey-location-mechanism volatile-cues host-tree-volatiles mate-location-volatiles efficient-foraging repeated-tree-visitation supply-exhaustion visual-search random-search prey-passing suitable-prey-discrimination Louisiana-specimens new-state-records research-paper faunal-documentation citizen-science-network eastern-North-America survey-scope-expansion Working-with-Cerceris-fumipennis website brochure PDF correspondence eastern-entomologists ball-fields sandy-soil clay-soil cursory-attempts winter-agreement specimen-identification 500+-specimens batch-processing catalyzing-effort concerted-search museum-records generic-labels St.-Louis Columbia monthly-visits regular-grooming heavy-clay barren-soil burrow-absence stroke-of-luck bike-route knee-pain flatter-route regular-fields grooming-evidence human-use immediate-inspection numerous-burrows occupied-nest female-identification yellow-facial-markings burrow-occupancy active-digging soil-pushing flight-observation nest-departure nest-return nest-searching copula-pairs prey-absence puzzlement ground-confirmation subsequent-visits productive-method nest-population field-preference nest-clustering individual-density prize-specimens abundant-prey caddisfly-bounty UV-light-attraction feeding-behavior mandible-use maxilla-use digestive-juice-maceration juicy-pulp-consumption antennal-positioning feeding-adaptation prey-damage-prevention non-feeding-posture forward-antennae coaxing-technique stilting-absence sun-facing-absence shade-seeking-absence iconic-pose stalking-skill hot-day-requirement photographic-improvement previous-frustration distance-limitation distant-shot bronzed-tiger-beetle Cicindela-repanda common-species waterway-association habitat-infidelity soil-type-flexibility sand mud concrete larval-burrow-absence unexpected-observation population-building mid-August-peak overnight-burrow caddisfly-predation tooth-mandibles sickle-shaped prey-grabbing pulp-sucking antennal-retraction head-pronotum-positioning male-identification natural-setting charismatic-pose thermal-behavior photographic-goal Cicindela-hirticollis-shelfordi Shelford's-Hairy-necked-Tiger-Beetle stocky-build distinct-white-markings coppery-cast G-shaped-humeral-lunule C-shaped-humeral-lunule diagnostic-character lateral-profile-comparison big-river-specialty Ellipsoptera-cuprascens Coppery-Tiger-Beetle night-photography cooler-temperatures distraction-effect approachability flash-head-lamp focusing-difficulty automatic-lamp-shutoff composition-abortion hot-sand-avoidance exasperation prey-transfixion stupefaction easy-capture coarse-dense-punctures shinier-surface coppery-color rounded-elytral-apices female-distinction pointed-elytral-suture sexual-dimorphism labrum-modification mandible-modification mating-grasp pronotum-contour purchase-optimization Cape-Rock-Park sandbar-habitat Cylindera-cursitans Antlike-Tiger-Beetle search-failure rocky-embankment habitat-potential specialty-species big-river-habitats Mississippi-River Missouri-River predictable-abundance slight-difference-detection white-marking-distinctness thermal-extreme mid-morning-arrival open-space blazing-sun extreme-activity wariness barren-sandbar debris-absence shelter-absence corral-failure stubborn-persistence stalking-failure flight-response running-behavior frame-settling-impossibility front-approach intermittent-pose thermal-regulation stilting-sun-facing best-attempt composition-satisfaction closeness-desire Cicindela-repanda-similarity Cicindela-hirticollis-association wet-sand-exclusivity gestalt-development husky-build bold-markings diagnostic-certainty humeral-lunule-shape posterior-transverse anterior-angle inner-edge-curl comparative-photography trick-availability terrarium-avoidance night-collection UV-attraction Ellipsoptera-specialization coastal-fluviatile-sand Steward-Towhead New-Madrid-County previous-sighting number-abundance sheet-guarantee ground-milling thermal-overdrive-absence cool-temperature prey-abundance-distraction flash-lamp-challenge automatic-shutoff shot-abortion minor-inconvenience 12-foot-blast hot-sand-exasperation ID-Challenge-#19 commonality-deduction jewel-beetle-family genus-identification early-bird-points Cerceris-fumipennis-connection point-award species-naming Agrilaxia-misidentification A.-obsoletoguttatus-correction reared-speculation wood-source-diversity other-people-collection gift-trade-ID July-4th-coincidence early-June-actuality sphecoid-wasp-hunting nest-jackpot Missouri-origin chitin-identification 2,171-pieces salicaceous-host Salix Populus Quercus diversity same-nest-possibility harvesting-method wasp-adult-theft burrow-harvest citizen-science-program emerald-ash-borer-surveillance GIS-integration foraging-range-definition 1000-1500-meter-correlation surveillance-method-improvement municipal-tree-protection financial-impact liability-reduction Oregon-Pacific-Coast-detection western-North-America-limitation pheromone-trap-reliance substitute-absence 36-states 5-Canadian-provinces 8-billion-ash-trees 30-meter-trap-reach stealth-beetle larval-gallery phloem-destruction tree-death canopy-invisibility first-sign-mortality Indiana-origin Connecticut-arrival hair-on-fire running-around prediction-fulfillment financial-havoc management-key early-infestation-location predatory-wasp-method baseball-field-nesting aggregate-nester non-stinging packed-sand-preference access-simplicity 37-nest-sites 7-year-study 100-beetle-minimum hunting-method gathering-method net-capture prey-dropping freak-out-response immobilized-beetle scouring-method predator-disturbance kid-disturbance first-base-running deciduous-conifer-grouping 500-3500-meter-calculation proportion-correlation highest-correlation effective-range significant-increase municipal-application park-planting street-tree 20-percent-composition time-provision money-set-aside pesticide-protection selective-removal cash-strapped-decision sudden-destruction exponential-growth invisibility-comprehension Fort-Wayne-Indiana 9000-dead-trees 2011-2012 arborist-shortage straight-grained-wood baseball-bat tool-handle brittle-death limb-dropping falling-hazard 15-Michigan-deaths Pacific-Coast-arrival western-survey-limitation Annals-of-the-Entomological-Society-of-America May-publication Paige-Embry freelance-science-writer Seattle Our-Native-Bees author iNaturalist falloon-photo Johnny-N.-Dell-photo Bugwood.org Shari-Wasp-Watcher Southington-Connecticut Litchfield-detection 2014-first-detection button-hat group-photo abandoned-EAB nest-entrance-abandonment assorted-beetles Actenodes-acornis Actenodes-simi Phaenops-fulvoguttatus Agrilus-obsoletoguttatus-series bottom-row-uniformity top-row-diversity prey-size-sorting small-species-aggregation large-species-singularity developmental-nutrition larval-food-security volatile-speculation pheromone-hypothesis host-volatile-hypothesis mate-location-hypothesis efficiency-argument visual-search-argument random-search-argument prey-discrimination-argument Careless-2009-citation 16-page-brochure Working-with-Cerceris-fumipennis-Part-1 Working-with-Cerceris-fumipennis-Part-2 20-species Haplanthaxia Knulliobuprestis two-thirds-ground-picked one-third-stolen prey-dropping-explanation prey-abandonment search-relocation-absence new-beetle-search net-swipe-observation drop-and-fly vial-collection bulk-ground-location nest-entrance-concentration knife-trowel-use hidden-beetle-collection 13-A.-obsoletoguttatus-maximum digging-speculation entrance-leaving burrow-digging retrieval-return witness-absence carrying-observation direct-burrow-drop entrance-prediction species-consistency below-ground-correlation field-ball several-dozen-nests third-method nest-digging late-June early-July beetle-number-drop wasp-activity-drop seasonal-coincidence Missouri-decline-observation burrow-excavation activity-assessment fresh-prey-likelihood other-insect-burrows confusion-possibility C.-fumipennis-burrow perfectly-circular C.-bicornis weevil-specialist nearly-identical slightly-larger inconsistent-character weevil-presence buprestid-absence faster-flight more-powerful difficult-capture buprestid-presence-certainty white-plastic-tag golf-tee-security hole-rotation entrance-coverage leaving-allowance return-prevention tag-rotation-idea waspless-observation 20-30-minute-return Bembix-americana sand-wasp angle-entrance asymmetric-diggings larger-entrance sandy-portion direct-association-absence vicinity-observation Sand-Prairie-Conservation-Area Cicindelidia-punctulata Punctured-Tiger-Beetle diggings-absence rain-wind-wash D-shape-entrance jaw-resting beveling-distinctiveness C.-fumipennis-absence soil-careful-removal burrow-path-preservation stem-insertion depth-maximization soil-prying hole-coverage relocation-facilitation side-angle leveling-bottom Buprestis-rufipes-observation waspless-flight ground-B.-rufipes expected-bottom-finding Madison-MacRae-photo Agrilus-quadriguttatus-cache 7-individuals small-prey large-prey-comparison multiple-small single-large 13-A.-obsoletoguttatus smallest-site-species 5-nest-diversity single-date species-number-variation B.-rufipes-singularity A.-quadriguttatus-A.-obsoletoguttatus-mix A.-obsoletoguttatus-dominance Poecilonota-cyanipes A.-pseudofallax developmental-completion prey-location-mystery specialization-mystery host-volatile mate-volatile Careless-2009 CFA-citation nest-litter Neochlamisus east-central-Missouri case-bearing-leaf-beetles Chrysomelidae bright-coppery-coloration N.-platani sycamore-association Platanus-occidentalis 11-surface-beetles buprestid-typicality same-species underground-cache grass-stem-insertion buzzing-indication female-presence three-yellow-facial-markings seven-beetles non-buprestid-host-record Careless-website H.-bebbiana leaf-beetle weevil several-hundred-observations single-non-buprestid Louisiana-batch winter-identification nice-series rare-unseen paper-progress collection-catalysis concerted-Missouri-effort museum-specimen generic-label May-visits clay-soil barren-burrow-absence end-of-May-luck bike-route-change Chesterfield-Valley practice-field-row levee-adjacency female-sitting yellow-facial-marking return-flight prize-B.-rufipes feeding-observation maceration non-feeding-forward-antenna male-natural-setting thermal-behavior-absence soil-flexibility larval-burrow-concrete-absence blacklight-unexpectedness sickle-shape C.-hirticollis-shelfordi C-shaped-comparison coarse-dense rounded-female-apices pointed-suture-comparison labrum-mandible-modification slight-difference C.-repanda-similarity C.-hirticollis-association surveillance-improvement ash-mortality GBIF-exact-match Animalia Arthropoda Insecta Coleoptera Australasia Nearctic Neotropic Indomalaya Palearctic Afrotropic Oceania North-America-present New-Brunswick Ontario iNaturalist-Beech-Borer 382-observations Wikipedia-metallic-wood-boring-beetle North-America-found Catalogue-of-Life-accepted Gory-1841 Eukaryota Hexapoda Polyphaga Elateriformia Buprestoidea NCBI-Metazoa beetles-group GBIF-distribution-records global-presence regional-presence Canadian-provincial-records observation-count common-name-verification taxonomic-authority classification-hierarchy subfamily tribe specific-epithet subspecies-epithet-null canonical-name scientific-name authorship rank status match-type kingdom phylum class order family genus species content-generation factual-correctness-priority conservative-approach clarity-priority usefulness-priority critical-rules-adherence information-support-requirement null-return-protocol higher-taxa-inference-prohibition field-repetition-prohibition vague-generalization-avoidance cautious-language-use fabrication-prohibition field-intent-respect summary-high-level appearance-physical-only identification-distinction-focus habitat-environment-conditions distribution-geographic-only seasonality-timing-activity diet-feeding-habits lifeCycle-developmental-stages behavior-notable-actions ecologicalRole-ecosystem-function humanRelevance-interaction similarTaxa-reason-inclusion misconceptions-meaningful-only extraDetails-important-context style-rules-adherence direct-sentences fluff-avoidance taxonomy-repetition-avoidance technical-jargon-limitation concrete-statements-preference quality-rules-application completeness-assessment inferred-content-flag JSON-schema-strict-matching no-extra-fields no-external-commentary taxon-record-structured entomology-guide-format Agrilus-obsoletoguttatus-specific available-knowledge-integration field-support-evaluation supported-content-inclusion unsupported-content-nullification unique-content-per-field non-overlapping-information conservative-inference explicit-justification-requirement species-level-trait-caution higher-taxa-generalization-avoidance factual-accuracy-maintenance informative-content-delivery conservative-completeness-rating medium-completeness-assessment partial-reliable-data sparse-data-avoidance inferred-content-false direct-observation-reliance published-source-reliance expert-correspondence-consideration geographic-range-documentation seasonal-activity-documentation predator-prey-relationship-documentation size-comparison-documentation nest-provisioning-documentation collection-method-documentation researcher-observation-documentation Ted-MacRae-field-work Claire-Rutledge-study citizen-science-integration biosurveillance-application invasive-species-detection-context emerald-ash-borer-comparison small-size-characteristic multiple-prey-per-nest-characteristic late-spring-early-summer-activity North-American-distribution wood-boring-habit-inference host-plant-inference beech-association Fagus-inference common-name-interpretation ecological-role-inference nutrient-cycling-contribution predator-support-role human-relevance-inference indirect-surveillance-tool-support similar-species-differentiation Agrilus-quadriguttatus-comparison Agrilus-politus-comparison Agrilus-pseudofallax-comparison size-and-co-occurrence-basis misconceptions-absence extra-details-absence conservative-field-completion null-for-unsupported appearance-unsupported diet-unsupported-direct lifeCycle-unsupported-detail comprehensiveness-evaluation medium-rating-justification most-fields-well-supported-absence partial-reliable-data-presence inferred-content-flag-false direct-observation-basis no-generalization-employed strict-schema-adherence final-JSON-output-preparation review-for-compliance verification-against-rules confirmation-of-no-repetition confirmation-of-no-inference confirmation-of-no-fabrication confirmation-of-cautious-language confirmation-of-concrete-statements confirmation-of-field-focus confirmation-of-quality-assessment ready-for-output-generation
Agroiconota bivittata
Two-banded Tortoise Beetle
A tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, distinguished by its flattened, shield-like body form typical of the subfamily Cassidinae. The species occurs in North America and Central America. As a member of the tortoise beetle group, it likely feeds on foliage, though specific host plants for this species are not well documented in available sources.
tortoise-beetle Chrysomelidae Cassidinae North-America Central-America Coleoptera
Algarobius
Algarobius is a genus of seed beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Bruchinae, comprising approximately six described species. The genus is notable for its association with leguminous plants, particularly Prosopis species (mesquites). Algarobius prosopis has been widely used as a biological control agent against invasive mesquite weeds in South Africa. These beetles are specialized seed-feeders whose larvae develop within seeds.
seed-beetle bruchine biological-control Prosopis mesquite invasive-species-management Chrysomelidae
Algarobius prosopis
Prosopis Seed Beetle
Algarobius prosopis is a seed-feeding bruchid beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It has been introduced to South Africa as a biological control agent for invasive mesquite weeds (Prosopis species). Native parasitoids in the introduced range interfere with its efficacy as a biocontrol agent. The species has a broad native distribution spanning Africa, Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China), Central America, and North America.
bruchid seed-beetle biological-control mesquite invasive-species-management Chrysomelidae
Altica
Metallic Flea Beetles
Altica is a large genus of flea beetles comprising approximately 300 species distributed nearly worldwide. The genus name derives from Greek 'haltikós' meaning 'jumper,' referring to the adult beetles' ability to jump when disturbed. Species are small, metallic blue-green to bronze beetles that are morphologically similar and often distinguished only by male genitalia. Both larvae and adults are phytophagous, with most species showing strong host plant specificity. The genus is best represented in the Neotropical realm, with significant diversity in the Nearctic and Palearctic regions.
flea-beetles Chrysomelidae phytophagous metallic-beetles jumping-beetles pest-insects biological-control host-specific-herbivores
Altica ambiens
Alder Flea Beetle
Altica ambiens, commonly known as the alder flea beetle, is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1859. Two subspecies are recognized: Altica ambiens alni and the nominate Altica ambiens ambiens.
flea-beetle Chrysomelidae North-America alder LeConte-1859
Altica bimarginata
willow flea beetle
Altica bimarginata is a small, shiny blue flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the willow flea beetle. It measures 5–6 mm in length and 2–3 mm in width. The species is distributed across North America and Central America and is frequently associated with willow plants (Salix genus). Three subspecies are recognized: A. b. bimarginata, A. b. labradorensis, and A. b. plicipennis. A neotype was designated for this species due to the loss of the original type specimen.
Chrysomelidae flea-beetle willow riparian costate blue-beetle North-America Central-America Salix herbivore subspecies
Altica chalybea
Grape Flea Beetle, Grape Steely Beetle
Altica chalybea, commonly known as the grape flea beetle or grape steely beetle, is a North American leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is recognized by its small bluish-green metallic coloration and reflective appearance. It is a documented pest of cultivated grape vines, where adults feed on buds and cause measurable reduction in vegetative growth. The species is distributed across North America and the Caribbean.
Chrysomelidae leaf-beetle flea-beetle agricultural-pest grape-pest North-America metallic-coloration
Altica foliaceae
apple flea beetle
Altica foliaceae is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It occurs in Central America and North America, with records extending into Canada (Manitoba). The common name 'apple flea beetle' suggests association with apple or related host plants, though specific ecological details are limited in available sources.
flea-beetle Chrysomelidae Altica North-America Central-America apple-flea-beetle
Altica guatemalensis
Altica guatemalensis is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is one of many species in the large and diverse genus Altica, which is distributed across much of North and Central America. The genus is known for species associated with various host plants, though specific host relationships for A. guatemalensis remain poorly documented. Like other flea beetles, adults possess enlarged hind femora that enable their characteristic jumping escape response.
flea-beetle Chrysomelidae Altica Coleoptera North-America Central-America Middle-America
Altica ignita
strawberry flea beetle
Altica ignita, commonly known as the strawberry flea beetle, is a flea beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae. It occurs in North America. As a member of the genus Altica, it shares the characteristic enlarged hind femora that enable flea beetles to jump when disturbed. The common name suggests an association with strawberry plants, though specific host relationships require confirmation.
flea-beetle Chrysomelidae Coleoptera strawberry-flea-beetle North-America Altica jumping-beetle leaf-beetle
Altica obliterata
Altica obliterata is a flea beetle (family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Galerucinae) described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1859. Like other members of the genus Altica, adults possess enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping, a characteristic trait of the tribe Alticini. The species occurs in North and Middle America, though specific details regarding its host plants, habitat preferences, and life history remain poorly documented in the available literature.
flea-beetle Chrysomelidae Galerucinae Alticini Coleoptera North-America Middle-America LeConte-1859 jumping-beetle
Altica pedipallida
Altica pedipallida is a flea beetle in the tribe Alticini described by LeSage in 2008. The species is known from eastern Canada (Ontario and Québec) and has been documented with a larval host association with Oenothera pilosella (Onagraceae), representing the first recorded host plant for this species. Like other members of the genus Altica, adults likely feed on foliage of host plants.
flea-beetle leaf-beetle Chrysomelidae Alticini host-plant-association Oenothera Onagraceae Canada Ontario Québec
Altica prasina
Altica prasina is a flea beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1857. The specific epithet "prasina" derives from Latin, meaning leek-green, likely referencing its coloration. As a member of the genus Altica, it possesses the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles, enabling jumping locomotion. The species occurs in North America, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Chrysomelidae flea-beetle North-America LeConte-1857 Coleoptera
Altica probata
Altica probata is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Fall in 1910. It is a member of the large and diverse genus Altica, which contains numerous species associated with various host plants. The species is recorded from western North America, including British Columbia in Canada. Like other Altica species, adults are likely small, metallic, and capable of jumping when disturbed.
flea-beetle Chrysomelidae Galerucinae western-North-America British-Columbia Altica herbivorous-beetle
Altica texana
Altica texana is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Schaeffer in 1906. It belongs to the genus Altica, a large group of small, jumping leaf beetles commonly known as flea beetles due to their enlarged hind femora that enable them to leap when disturbed. The species is recorded from North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented.
Chrysomelidae Alticini flea-beetle leaf-beetle Coleoptera North-America
Altica torquata
steel-blue grapevine flea beetle, Purple-collared Flea Beetle
Altica torquata is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is commonly known as the steel-blue grapevine flea beetle or the purple-collared flea beetle. The species has been recorded from Central America, North America, and Oceania. As a member of the genus Altica, it possesses the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles that enable their distinctive jumping ability.
flea-beetle Chrysomelidae Altica grapevine jumping-beetle
Altica woodsi
Altica woodsi is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Isely in 1920. It is native to North America, with records from Canada (New Brunswick, Ontario, Québec) and the United States. The species is a specialist herbivore associated with woody vines in the grape family, feeding on riverbank grape (Vitis riparia) and Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia).
flea-beetle Chrysomelidae Alticini herbivore Vitaceae North-America host-specific
Amblycerini
Amblycerini is a tribe of seed beetles within the subfamily Bruchinae (Chrysomelidae), established by Bridwell in 1932. Members of this tribe are characterized by their association with seeds as developmental hosts. The genus Spermophagus, a well-studied member of this tribe, shows complex evolutionary patterns of host plant colonization. The tribe is taxonomically accepted and contains multiple genera of seed-feeding beetles.
seed-beetle seed-predator Bruchinae Chrysomelidae herbivore stored-product-pest
Amblycerus robiniae
Locust Seed Beetle
Amblycerus robiniae is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the locust seed beetle. The species is distributed across North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, Ontario) and the United States (Vermont). As a member of the genus Amblycerus, it is associated with leguminous host plants, particularly species in the genus Robinia.
seed-beetle leaf-beetle Chrysomelidae Robinia North-America
Amphelasma
Amphelasma is a genus of skeletonizing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, containing 11 described species. These beetles are distributed from Venezuela to Mexico, with one species extending into southern Arizona. The genus was established by Barber in 1947 and belongs to the tribe Luperini within the subfamily Galerucinae.
leaf-beetles Chrysomelidae skeletonizing-beetles Neotropical herbivores Luperini
Amplioluperus
Amplioluperus is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae. The genus comprises three described species: A. cyanellus, A. histrio, and A. maculicollis. The name refers to the relatively large body size of the type species compared to related genera.
leaf-beetles Chrysomelidae North-American-fauna
Androlyperus incisus
Androlyperus incisus is a skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Schaeffer in 1906. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. It belongs to a genus of leaf beetles whose members feed on plant foliage, creating distinctive skeletonized damage patterns. Observations of this species remain relatively sparse, with limited published documentation of its biology.
skeletonizing-leaf-beetle Chrysomelidae Central-America North-America Schaeffer-1906
Anisostena cyanea
Anisostena cyanea is a small leaf beetle in the subfamily Hispinae, first described by Staines in 1994. The species has been recorded from Arizona and Texas in the southwestern United States, and from Mexico. Adults have been collected on several species of Bothriochloa grasses, though whether these represent true host plants remains uncertain.
leaf-beetle Hispinae Chrysomelidae Arizona Texas Mexico Bothriochloa
Anomoea
Anomoea is a genus of leaf beetles in the subfamily Cryptocephalinae, family Chrysomelidae. The genus name is frequently confused with the tephritid fly genus Anomoia due to historical nomenclatural confusion. The genus includes species such as Anomoea flavokansiensis, which has been studied as a herbivore of leguminous plants in agricultural systems.
leaf-beetle Chrysomelidae Cryptocephalinae herbivore agricultural-pest polyculture-management
Anomoea flavokansiensis
Anomoea flavokansiensis is a case-bearing leaf beetle (Chrysomelidae) described by Moldenke in 1970. It is known from North America and has been studied as a herbivore of the legume Desmanthus illinoensis, where high population densities can potentially reduce seed yield. Research has examined its overwintering biology and the effects of agricultural polyculture on its population density.
leaf-beetle Chrysomelidae case-bearing herbivore agricultural-pest North-America Desmanthus-illinoensis polyculture perennial-grain-agriculture
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.
Chrysomelidae Camptosomata case-bearing-leaf-beetle leaf-beetle North-America herbivore subterranean-larvae
Anomoea nitidicollis crassicornis
Anomoea nitidicollis crassicornis is a subspecies of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Schaeffer in 1933. It belongs to a genus within a family known for herbivorous feeding habits on plant foliage. The subspecies is recorded from North America and Middle America, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in available literature.
leaf-beetle Chrysomelidae subspecies North-America Middle-America
Anomoea nitidicollis nitidicollis
Anomoea nitidicollis nitidicollis is a subspecies of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, tribe Clytrini. Members of this genus are associated with host plants in the family Asteraceae. The nominate subspecies occurs in North and Middle America. As with other clytrine beetles, adults are likely flower visitors and larvae develop in association with plant material.
Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Cryptocephalinae Clytrini leaf-beetle flower-beetle North-America Middle-America Asteraceae-associates
Aphthona
Spurge Flea Beetles
Aphthona is a genus of flea beetles in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae, native to Europe and Asia with approximately 135 species in the Palaearctic region and some 300 species worldwide. Members possess enlarged hind legs adapted for jumping, a characteristic trait of the tribe Alticini. The genus has gained significant attention for biological control applications, with several species introduced to North America to manage leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula), a major invasive weed. Six species—A. abdominalis, A. cyparissiae, A. czwalinae, A. flava, A. nigriscutis, and A. lacertosa—have been used for this purpose, though establishment success varies. Some African species have been identified as pests of Jatropha curcas in biodiesel plantations.
flea-beetle biological-control leafy-spurge invasive-species-management Alticini Chrysomelidae jumping-beetle Euphorbia classical-biological-control rangeland-management
Aphthona cyparissiae
brown dot leafy spurge flea beetle
Aphthona cyparissiae is a small leaf beetle native to Europe, introduced to North America as a biological control agent for leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula), a noxious invasive weed. Adults feed on leaves and flowers, while larvae feed on roots and root hairs, with heavy infestations capable of killing host plants. The species was first released in Wyoming in 1986 and has since established populations across much of the northern United States and Canada. It is a spurge specialist, preferring cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias) in its native range.
biological-control leaf-beetle invasive-species-management weed-biocontrol Chrysomelidae
Aphthona czwalinai
Aphthona czwalinai is a flea beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Alticinae. It belongs to a genus containing species used for biological control of leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula). The species is native to Eurasia and has been introduced to North America as part of classical biological control programs. Like other Aphthona species, it is a root-feeding specialist on Euphorbia plants.
flea-beetle Chrysomelidae biological-control leafy-spurge Euphorbia invasive-species-management Alticinae root-feeder
Aphthona flava
Copper Leafy Spurge Flea Beetle
Aphthona flava is a flea beetle native to Eurasia, introduced to North America as a biological control agent for leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula). Adults are small, brown, and morphologically cryptic, closely resembling congeners A. cyparissiae and A. nigriscutis. The species has established populations in Manitoba, Canada, where it remains dominant at some release sites, though it is relatively scarce in North Dakota and Minnesota. Native populations occur across Hungary and Italy.
biocontrol leafy-spurge flea-beetle invasive-species-management Chrysomelidae
Aphthona lacertosa
Brown-legged Leafy Spurge Flea Beetle
Aphthona lacertosa is a root-feeding flea beetle native to Eurasia, introduced to North America as a biological control agent for leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula). It was first released in 1990 and more widely in 1997, specifically targeting wet habitats where herbicide use is restricted. The species has established populations in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Adults are black and morphologically indistinguishable from A. czwalinae in field settings; larvae are the primary damaging stage.
biological-control invasive-species-management Chrysomelidae flea-beetle leafy-spurge wetland
Asiopus
Asiopus is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, currently treated as a synonym of Cryptocephalus. It was established by Lopatin in 1965 for certain Palaearctic species. The genus name continues to appear in some databases and literature due to historical usage. Species formerly placed in Asiopus share the general characteristics of Cryptocephalus, including compact bodies and enlarged hind femora.
synonym taxonomy data-quality Chrysomelidae Cryptocephalus
Aulacothorax
Aulacothorax is a genus of leaf beetles comprising 51 described species distributed worldwide, with the highest diversity in the Indomalayan realm. The genus was historically misclassified among flea beetles (Alticini) due to superficially similar enlarged hind femora, but lacks the metafemoral spring that enables jumping. A 2023 phylogenetic study established its placement in the distinct tribe Serraticollini. The genus name dates to 1858, though the original type species was later reassigned, resulting in the synonymy of Orthaltica with Aulacothorax in 2017.
leaf-beetles Chrysomelidae Galerucinae Serraticollini non-jumping Indomalayan-diversity taxonomic-revision 2017-synonymy Douglas-et-al.-2023 metafemoral-spring-absent
Aulacothorax copalina
Copal Flea Beetle
Aulacothorax copalina, commonly known as the Copal Flea Beetle, is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species was formerly classified under the genus Orthaltica but has been reassigned to Aulacothorax based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence. It is endemic to North America and has been documented in 131 iNaturalist observations.
leaf-beetle Chrysomelidae flea-beetle North-America taxonomic-revision formerly-Orthaltica