Chrysomelidae
Guides
Smaragdina
Smaragdina is a genus of short-horned leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Clytrinae. These beetles are characterized by their compact body form and association with vegetation. The genus occurs primarily in the Palearctic region, with documented records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As leaf beetles, species in this genus are herbivorous, though specific host plant associations vary among species.
Smaragdina militaris
Texas Military Leaf Beetle
Smaragdina militaris is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America. Two subspecies are recognized: S. m. arizonica and the nominate S. m. militaris. As a member of the case-bearing leaf beetles, it likely exhibits the family's characteristic behavior of constructing protective cases from fecal material and shed exoskeletons.
Sphaeroderma
Sphaeroderma is a genus of flea beetles (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini) comprising approximately 250 species distributed across the Old World. Members of this genus are small leaf beetles characterized by enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with new species continuing to be described from montane regions.
Sphaeroderma testaceum
artichoke beetle
Sphaeroderma testaceum, commonly known as the artichoke beetle, is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and Israel, and has been introduced to Atlantic Canada. Adults are active from late spring through early autumn and feed on leaves of thistles and related plants. The species is notable as a pest of artichokes and other cultivated thistles.
Spintherophyta arizonensis
Spintherophyta arizonensis is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Eumolpinae, described by Schultz in 1976. The genus Spintherophyta is most diverse in the Neotropics, with only four species occurring in North America north of Mexico. This species is one of the North American representatives of a predominantly Neotropical genus of globular, pollen-feeding leaf beetles.
Spintherophyta exigua
A small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Schultz in 1976. As a member of the genus Spintherophyta, it belongs to a group with much higher diversity in the Neotropics compared to North America. The species epithet 'exigua' suggests small size, consistent with the genus's characteristic diminutive stature.
Stator
seed beetles
Stator is a genus of seed beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, established by Bridwell in 1946. The genus contains approximately 14 described species. Most members are specialized feeders on legume seeds (Fabaceae), with larvae developing inside seeds. These beetles are of economic importance as pests of stored legumes.
Stator vachelliae
Stator vachelliae is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Bottimer in 1973. It is distributed across Central America, North America, and South America. The genus Stator is known to include seed beetles, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited.
Stenispa collaris
Bicolored Smooth Hispine
Stenispa collaris is a small hispine beetle in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae. Adults are narrowly elongate and cylindrical with a distinctive color pattern: shining black body, bright red thorax, and cupreo-aeneous (coppery-bronze) elytra. The species occurs across the central and eastern United States, from New York to Texas. Despite being a member of the hispine group—many of which are specialized leaf miners—no host plant has been documented for this species.
Stenopodius lateralis
Lateral Tortoise Beetle
Stenopodius lateralis is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, originally described as Brachycoryna lateralis by Schaeffer in 1933. It occurs across western North America from Canada through the United States to Mexico. Adults have been documented on Sphaeralcea species (globemallows), though whether these represent true host plants remains unclear.
Stenopodius martini
Stenopodius martini is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Blaisdell in 1939. It belongs to the subfamily Cassidinae, a group commonly known as tortoise beetles or hispine beetles. The species is known from the southwestern United States. Its food plant remains unknown, though adults have been collected on Sphaeralcea species.
Strabala rufa
Strabala rufa is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It occurs in North America, with confirmed records from Vermont and broader distribution across the continent. The species was described by Illiger in 1807 and includes two recognized subspecies: the nominate form S. r. rufa and S. r. floridana described by Blake in 1953.
Sumitrosis inaequalis
Sumitrosis inaequalis is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae. Adults measure 3.4–4.2 mm and exhibit highly variable coloration, ranging from pale yellow with faint markings to predominantly black with yellow spots. The species is distributed across Central America and much of North America, with records from Canada and the United States. It is a leaf miner, feeding internally on host plant foliage.
Sumitrosis pallescens
Sumitrosis pallescens is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, measuring 3.1-3.5 mm as adults. The species is characterized by pale yellow coloration on the pronotum and elytra, with dark spots near the wing tips. It is known to feed on Chamaecrista species and has a broad distribution across the southeastern United States, Mexico, and Central America.
Sumitrosis rosea
leafminer beetle
Sumitrosis rosea is a small leaf-mining beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the leafminer beetle. Adults measure 3.3–4.5 mm and exhibit highly variable coloration, with elytra ranging from pale yellow with faint black markings to black with faint yellow spots. The species is native to North America and has been documented feeding on a range of host plants, particularly in the family Fabaceae.
Sumitrosis triplehorni
Sumitrosis triplehorni is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is known only from southern Florida and the Florida Keys, making it a geographically restricted species. Adults are among the smallest members of the genus, measuring under 3.5 mm in length.
Syneta
Syneta is a genus of leaf beetles comprising approximately 11 described species. It is the sole genus in the subfamily Synetinae, a small lineage within the family Chrysomelidae. The genus has an exclusively Holarctic distribution, occurring in northern regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. The type species, Syneta betulae, was described by Fabricius in 1792.
Syneta hamata
Syneta hamata is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by Horn in 1893. The species occurs in western North America, with records from western Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba.
Syneta simplex
Syneta simplex is a leaf beetle species native to North America. The species comprises two recognized subspecies with distinct elevational and host plant preferences. The nominate subspecies S. s. simplex occurs at lower elevations and feeds on Garry oak (Quercus garryana), while S. s. subalpina inhabits subalpine zones near timberline in Washington and British Columbia and feeds on alpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa). The species belongs to the family Chrysomelidae, a diverse group of herbivorous beetles commonly known as leaf beetles.
Synetinae
Synetinae is a small subfamily of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) containing two genera, Syneta and Thricolema, with approximately 12 described species. The group is restricted to the Holarctic region, with most species occurring in North America and a smaller number in Europe and Asia. The taxonomic status of Synetinae has been disputed: historically treated as a separate subfamily, it was proposed as tribe Synetini within Eumolpinae based on larval similarities, though this placement remains contested due to conflicting morphological evidence.
Synetocephalus
Synetocephalus is a genus of skeletonizing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, containing approximately 10 described species. The genus was established by Fall in 1910 and is restricted to North America. Species in this genus are small leaf-feeding beetles that skeletonize plant foliage. One species, Synetocephalus penrosei, was described in 2012 from California and named in honor of the coleopterist Richard L. Penrose.
Synetocephalus diegensis
A small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described from California. The species epithet refers to San Diego, indicating its type locality. Very few observations exist in biodiversity databases, suggesting it is either rare, undercollected, or restricted to specific habitats. It belongs to a genus of flea beetles characterized by enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping.
Synetocephalus vandykei
Synetocephalus vandykei is a species of skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Blake in 1942. The species is known from North America. As a member of the tribe Alticini (flea beetles), it likely possesses enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping, a characteristic of this group.
Syphrea flavicollis
Syphrea flavicollis is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is known from Central America and North America. The specific epithet 'flavicollis' refers to a yellow-colored collar or neck region. As a member of the flea beetle group, it likely possesses enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping, though detailed morphological descriptions are limited in available sources.
Systena bitaeniata
Systena bitaeniata is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, native to North America. The genus Systena includes small leaf beetles commonly associated with various host plants. This species is part of a diverse group of chrysomelid beetles that feed on plant foliage.
Systena blanda
palestriped flea beetle, Brown-necked Systena
Systena blanda is a small flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the palestriped flea beetle. Adults measure 3–4 mm and are agricultural pests of young sunflowers and other crops. The species has a broad geographic range spanning Central America, North America, and Oceania. Adults overwinter and emerge in late spring, feeding on leaf tissue and creating distinctive lace-like feeding damage.
Systena collaris
Systena collaris is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Crotch in 1873. The genus Systena contains multiple species of small leaf beetles, several of which are associated with sunflower and other Asteraceae hosts. The specific epithet 'collaris' refers to a collar-like marking or structure. As a member of the flea beetle group, this species likely possesses the enlarged hind femora characteristic of the tribe Alticini, enabling jumping behavior.
Systena corni
Dogwood Systena
Systena corni, commonly known as the dogwood systena, is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is found in North America. As a member of the genus Systena, it belongs to a group of small leaf beetles often associated with host plants. Specific ecological details about this species remain limited in published literature.
Systena elongata
elongate flea beetle, Dark-necked Systena
Systena elongata is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from Manitoba, Canada. The species is also known by the common name "Dark-necked Systena." As a member of the flea beetle tribe Alticini, it possesses the enlarged hind femora characteristic of this group, enabling jumping locomotion.
Systena frontalis
red-headed flea beetle, Red-headed Systena
Systena frontalis, commonly known as the red-headed flea beetle, is a flea beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae native to North America. It has become a significant economic pest of ornamental plant nurseries across the central and eastern United States, particularly affecting container-grown plants. Adults feed on foliage, creating shotholes and skeletonization that reduce plant salability. The species has expanded its pest status to cranberry production systems and shows a broad host range encompassing numerous woody ornamental species. Its biology includes holometabolous development with four larval instars, and it overwinters as eggs in growing medium or soil.
Systena gracilenta
Systena gracilenta is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Blake in 1933. It belongs to a genus whose members are generally small, active leaf beetles capable of jumping when disturbed. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Systena hudsonias
black-headed flea beetle, Black-headed Systena
Systena hudsonias is a flea beetle (Chrysomelidae: Alticini) native to North America. Adults are herbivorous and have been documented feeding on at least nine plant families, including Asteraceae species such as sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) and giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida). The species is considered polyphagous, though specific larval host associations remain poorly documented. It is occasionally noted in agricultural contexts where sunflowers are cultivated.
Systena laevis
Systena laevis is a species of flea beetle (family Chrysomelidae) native to North America. Flea beetles in the genus Systena are small leaf beetles characterized by their enlarged hind femora that enable jumping behavior. The species was described by Blake in 1935. Specific ecological details for S. laevis remain poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Systena marginalis
margined systena
Systena marginalis is a flea beetle (Chrysomelidae: Alticini) native to North America. Like other members of the genus Systena, it possesses enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The species is broadly distributed across the continent, with records from Canada (Ontario, Québec) and the United States. Specific ecological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Systena pallicornis
Systena pallicornis is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to North America. As a member of the genus Systena, it belongs to a group of small leaf beetles commonly known as flea beetles due to their enlarged hind femora that enable jumping. The species was described by Schaeffer in 1906.
Systena sexnotata
six-spotted flea beetle
Systena sexnotata is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. Adults feed on walnut foliage (Juglandaceae), while larvae feed on roots. The species is restricted to Central and Western Texas. Body length ranges from 4.8 to 5.5 millimeters.
Timarcha
bloody-nosed beetles
Timarcha is a genus of flightless leaf beetles comprising over 100 species across three subgenera, with a disjunct distribution spanning the Mediterranean region and western North America. The genus exhibits several unusual traits for Chrysomelidae, including complete apterism (winglessness), fused elytra, and archaic genital morphology. All species are uniformly black and herbivorous, with host plant associations concentrated in Rubiaceae and Plumbaginaceae. The most familiar species is T. tenebricosa, commonly known as the bloody-nosed beetle, named for its defensive reflex bleeding behavior.
Timarcha intricata
Intricate Leaf Beetle
Timarcha intricata is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Haldeman in 1853. It is found in North America, with distribution records from Canada (Alberta and British Columbia) and the United States. The species is commonly known as the Intricate Leaf Beetle. Like other members of the genus Timarcha, it belongs to a group of leaf beetles that are primarily associated with feeding on plant foliage.
Triachus cerinus
Triachus cerinus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1880. The species is known to occur in North America and the Caribbean region. As a member of the tribe Clytrini, it likely constructs protective cases from fecal material and plant debris, a characteristic behavior of this group. Information on its biology and ecology remains limited in published literature.
Triariodes
Triariodes is a genus of leaf beetles (family Chrysomelidae) established in 2019 by Clark & Anderson. The genus contains three described species: T. admiratio, T. segonku, and T. vittipennis (the latter transferred from another genus). As a recently described genus, published information on its biology and ecology remains limited. The genus is known from relatively few observations, with iNaturalist records indicating sparse detection in the field.
Triarius lividus
skeletonizing leaf beetle, flea beetle
Triarius lividus is a species of skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It occurs in Central America and North America, with documented presence from Arizona to western Texas. The species is characterized by skeletonizing feeding damage on host plants. It is one of relatively few species in the genus Triarius.
Triarius nigroflavus
Triarius nigroflavus is a skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described in 2001. The species belongs to a genus known for feeding on morning glories and related plants in the family Convolvulaceae. It is recorded from North America.
Triarius trivittatus
Skeletonizing Leaf Beetle
Triarius trivittatus is a species of skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to North America. The species is characterized by its feeding behavior that produces skeletonized damage on host plant leaves. Very little detailed ecological or behavioral information has been published for this specific species.
Trichaltica
Trichaltica is a genus of flea beetles (Chrysomelidae) containing approximately 30 described species. The genus occurs from North America through the Neotropics. Species in this genus exhibit the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles, enabling their jumping locomotion.
Tricholochmaea
Tricholochmaea is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, comprising 21 described species and two subspecies. Members are known as skeletonizing leaf beetles and flea beetles, feeding on plant foliage in a characteristic pattern that leaves leaf veins intact. The genus includes several species associated with specific host plants, such as the cherry leaf beetle (T. cavicollis), Pacific willow leaf beetle (T. decora), and blueberry leaf beetle (T. vaccinii). Taxonomic treatment varies, with some authors treating Tricholochmaea as a synonym of Pyrrhalta.
Tricholochmaea cavicollis
Cherry leaf beetle
Tricholochmaea cavicollis, known as the cherry leaf beetle, is a skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species occurs across North America, with records from western and central Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. As a member of the skeletonizing leaf beetle group, it feeds on leaf tissue between veins.
Tricholochmaea decora
Pacific willow leaf beetle, gray willow leaf beetle
Tricholochmaea decora is a skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is commonly known as the Pacific willow leaf beetle or gray willow leaf beetle. The species is native to North America and belongs to a genus of leaf-feeding beetles. Two subspecies are recognized: T. d. decora and T. d. carbo.
Tricholochmaea vaccinii
blueberry leaf beetle
Tricholochmaea vaccinii, commonly known as the blueberry leaf beetle, is a species of skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It feeds on blueberry plants (Vaccinium species), causing characteristic skeletonized damage to leaves. The species is native to North America and has been documented in eastern Canadian provinces including New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario.
Trirhabda
skeletonizing leaf beetles, goldenrod beetles
Trirhabda is a genus of skeletonizing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, comprising over 30 described species distributed in North America and Mexico. These beetles are specialist herbivores primarily associated with plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly goldenrods (Solidago), asters, and related composites. The genus has been extensively studied in ecological research due to its host-specific feeding habits, density-dependent dispersal behaviors, and potential keystone species effects on plant community dynamics. Several species are notable for sequestering defensive compounds and exhibiting complex movement behaviors in response to landscape structure and host plant quality.
Trirhabda adela
Trirhabda adela is a species of skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America, with distribution records from the Canadian provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. The species was described by Blake in 1931.