Chrysomelidae
Guides
Capraita suturalis
Capraita suturalis is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is a small beetle with jumping hind legs characteristic of flea beetles. The species has been documented in North America with 65 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is not uncommon but not particularly well-studied. Like other flea beetles, it likely feeds on plant material, though specific host associations have not been established in available sources.
Capraita texana
Capraita texana is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by Crotch in 1873. The species is recorded from North America, with observational data available from citizen science platforms. As a member of the flea beetle tribe Alticini, it likely possesses the enlarged hind femora characteristic of the group, though specific morphological details remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Cassida flaveola
pale tortoise beetle
Cassida flaveola, known as the pale tortoise beetle, is a brownish leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was historically considered an introduced Palearctic species in North America, but recent evidence indicates it is at least in part native with a Holarctic distribution. The species has been newly recorded in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island in the Maritime Provinces of Canada.
Cassida rubiginosa
Thistle Tortoise Beetle
Cassida rubiginosa, commonly known as the thistle tortoise beetle, is a leaf beetle in the subfamily Cassidinae native to Europe and Asia that has been introduced to North America, New Zealand, and other regions as a biological control agent for invasive thistles. The beetle derives its common name from the tortoise-like appearance of adults, whose elytra and pronotum form a shield-like covering over the body. Both adults and larvae feed on thistle foliage, with larvae possessing a distinctive defensive structure—a forked caudal appendage used to carry accumulated feces and exuviae as a mobile 'fecal shield' that deters predators. The species has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing thistle biomass and seed production, though its host range extends beyond the primary target to other Cardueae species.
Cassidinae
tortoise and leaf-mining beetles, tortoise beetles, hispine beetles
Cassidinae is a large subfamily of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) comprising over 125 genera and approximately 3,000 species worldwide, with greatest diversity in the Neotropics. The subfamily encompasses two historically recognized groups: the 'cassidoids' or tortoise beetles, characterized by expanded pronotal and elytral margins that form a protective shield over the body, and the 'hispoids' or leaf-mining beetles, typically more elongated with parallel-sided bodies. Members exhibit remarkable morphological diversity, with some species displaying metallic coloration and the ability to change color through water movements within the translucent cuticle. The subfamily is notable for complex larval defensive adaptations including fecal shield construction and cycloalexic behavior, as well as the independent evolution of subsociality with paternal care in at least two lineages.
Cassidini
tortoise beetles
Cassidini is a large tribe of tortoise beetles within the leaf beetle subfamily Cassidinae, comprising approximately 40 genera and 600 species worldwide. Members are commonly known as "tortoise beetles" due to their domed, shield-like appearance. A 2017 phylogenetic analysis based on morphological characters found Cassidini to be nonmonophyletic with respect to Aspidimorphini, leading to the formal synonymization of the latter with Cassidini; the same study suggested Ischyrosonychini should also be included. Larvae construct distinctive defensive shields from exuviae and faeces using a telescopic anus, a trait that may represent a synapomorphy for the crown-clade Cassidinae.
Celatoria
Celatoria is a genus of tachinid flies whose larvae are parasitoids of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae). Several species have been evaluated as biological control agents for agricultural pests, particularly Diabrotica species and the striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma vittatum). The genus includes both New World species with documented host associations in cucurbit and maize agroecosystems.
Cerotoma
bean leaf beetles
Cerotoma is a genus of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) containing approximately seven described species distributed across North America and the Neotropics. The genus is best known for Cerotoma trifurcata, commonly called the bean leaf beetle, a significant agricultural pest of soybean and common bean. Adults feed on foliage and pods, while larvae feed on roots and root nodules. The genus exhibits strong host associations with leguminous plants.
Cerotoma atrofasciata
Bean Leaf Beetle
Cerotoma atrofasciata is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The genus Cerotoma includes species associated with leguminous plants, particularly soybeans.
Cerotoma ruficornis
bean leaf beetle
Cerotoma ruficornis is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the bean leaf beetle. It is found across the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. Two subspecies are recognized: C. r. ruficornis and C. r. sexpunctata. The species is associated with soybean agriculture and has been studied alongside the related C. trifurcata as a pest of legume crops.
Cerotoma trifurcata
Bean Leaf Beetle
Cerotoma trifurcata, commonly known as the bean leaf beetle, is a chrysomelid beetle native to North America and a significant agricultural pest of soybean and other leguminous crops. Adults overwinter in sheltered woodland edges and fence rows, migrating to soybean fields in spring to feed and reproduce. The species has been documented as a vector of Bean Pod Mottle Virus (Comoviridae), transmitting the pathogen between plants during feeding. Its life cycle includes soil-dwelling larval stages that feed on root nodules, potentially affecting nitrogen fixation in host plants.
Chaetocnema
flea beetles
Chaetocnema is a large genus of flea beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, comprising approximately 470 described species worldwide. Members are small, jumping leaf beetles that feed on plant foliage. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, including the corn flea beetle (C. pulicaria), which vectors Stewart's wilt disease in corn, and C. confinis, which attacks sweet potatoes. The genus exhibits broad geographic distribution across multiple continents with diverse host plant associations.
Chaetocnema aequabilis
Chaetocnema aequabilis is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by R. White in 1996 as part of his revision of the genus Chaetocnema in North America. As a member of the tribe Alticini, it possesses enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The species is one of approximately 30 Chaetocnema species recorded from North America north of Mexico.
Chaetocnema confinis
sweetpotato flea beetle
Chaetocnema confinis is a small flea beetle (Chrysomelidae: Alticinae) with a cosmopolitan distribution spanning Africa, the Caribbean, Central and North America, South America, Oceania, and Southern Asia. It is a significant agricultural pest of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas), with adults feeding on foliage and larvae developing in soil to feed on tuberous roots. Larval feeding causes distinctive linear epidermal damage to storage roots, creating economic losses in commercial production. The species has been studied intensively in Japan, where seasonal damage patterns have been documented.
Chaetocnema densa
Chaetocnema densa is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by R. White in 1996. The species belongs to the genus Chaetocnema, which comprises small leaf beetles known for their jumping ability. Very little specific information is available about this particular species beyond its taxonomic description and North American distribution. Like other members of the genus, it likely feeds on plant foliage, though host associations have not been documented.
Chaetocnema ectypa
Desert Corn Flea Beetle
Chaetocnema ectypa, commonly known as the desert corn flea beetle, is a small flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to North America and has been recorded from the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The species belongs to a genus containing several economically important agricultural pests, though specific information about this species' biology and ecology remains limited in available sources.
Chaetocnema fuscata
Chaetocnema fuscata is a flea beetle (subfamily Alticinae) in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae. It was described by R. White in 1996 as part of his revision of the genus Chaetocnema in North America. The species is known from North America, with records from Ontario, Canada. Like other members of the genus, it is among the smallest flea beetles, with adults typically measuring 1–2 mm in length. The genus Chaetocnema includes several species associated with specific host plants, though detailed biological information for C. fuscata specifically remains limited.
Chaetocnema gentneri
Chaetocnema gentneri is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Csiki in 1940. The genus Chaetocnema contains numerous small leaf-feeding beetles, many of which are associated with specific host plants. Several congeners, such as C. quadricollis and C. pulicaria, are economically significant agricultural pests.
Chaetocnema hortensis
Chaetocnema hortensis is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Alticinae. The species measures 1.5 to 2.3 mm in length and exhibits metallic coloration ranging from bronze or coppery to sometimes green. It is widespread across the Palearctic region, including Europe and eastward to the Amur region. The species has been recorded as a pest of crops.
Chaetocnema irregularis
Chaetocnema irregularis is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to North America, with documented records from western Canada including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. Like other members of the genus Chaetocnema, it belongs to the subfamily Alticinae and possesses the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles that enable jumping locomotion.
Chaetocnema minuta
Chaetocnema minuta is a Nearctic flea beetle in the subfamily Alticinae. Historically associated with grasses, it has been recently documented causing economic damage to turfgrass in the southwestern United States, including perennial ryegrass and hybrid bermudagrass. The species is among the smallest flea beetles in North America, with adults measuring approximately 1–1.6 mm in length.
Chaetocnema opulenta
Opulent Flea Beetle
Chaetocnema opulenta is a small flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Horn in 1889. It is found in North America, with records from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. As a member of the Alticini tribe, it possesses the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles, enabling jumping locomotion.
Chaetocnema protensa
Chaetocnema protensa is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by LeConte in 1878. It is native to North America with documented occurrences in Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba) and the United States. As a member of the subfamily Alticinae, it possesses the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles that enable jumping locomotion. Published information on its biology and ecology remains limited.
Chaetocnema quadricollis
hibiscus flea beetle
Chaetocnema quadricollis is a minute flea beetle in the subfamily Galerucinae, tribe Alticini. Originally described from Florida in 1878, it occurs across North America and has been documented from numerous localities in Missouri. The species is strongly associated with Hibiscus species, particularly Hibiscus lasiocarpus (rose mallow), on which adults feed gregariously on foliage. It was previously recorded under the synonym C. decipiens in Missouri state records.
Chaetocnema subviridis
Chaetocnema subviridis is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1859. The species is found in North America, with distribution records from Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan) and the United States. As a member of the tribe Alticini, it possesses the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles that enable their jumping locomotion.
Charidotella
tortoise beetles
Charidotella is a genus of tortoise beetles (Chrysomelidae) containing at least 100 described species. Members of this genus are known for their distinctive domed, tortoise-like body shape and often striking metallic coloration. The genus includes Charidotella bicolor, commonly called the golden tortoise beetle, which exhibits remarkable color-changing abilities. Species in this genus are primarily associated with plants in the family Convolvulaceae.
Charidotella bifossulata
Charidotella bifossulata is a species of tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, characterized by the distinctive shield-like body form typical of this group. The species was described by Boheman in 1855. It is distributed across Central America and North America. Like other members of Charidotella, it likely feeds on plant foliage, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Charidotella emarginata
Charidotella emarginata is a species of tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in Central America and North America. As a member of the tortoise beetle subfamily Cassidinae, it possesses the characteristic shield-like body form and expanded elytral margins that cover the legs and much of the body when at rest.
Chelymorpha
Argus tortoise beetles, tortoise beetles
Chelymorpha is a genus of tortoise beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae, containing more than 70 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. These beetles are characterized by their domed, tortoise-like body form with the elytra and prothorax forming a protective shield that can be drawn down to cover the head and appendages when disturbed. The genus exhibits extensive intraspecific color polymorphism, with some species showing remarkable variation in elytral coloration and maculation patterns. Chelymorpha species are predominantly associated with plants in the family Convolvulaceae, particularly morning glories (Ipomoea) and bindweeds (Convolvulus), though some species utilize other host plants. The genus has been extensively studied for its Wolbachia endosymbiont infections, color polymorphism maintenance, and larval defensive behaviors including cycloalexy.
Chlamisus foveolatus
warty leaf beetle
Chlamisus foveolatus is a species of warty leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The species was described by Knoch in 1801. Beyond its taxonomic placement and geographic distribution, detailed biological information about this species is sparse in the available literature.
Chlamisus quadrilobatus
Chlamisus quadrilobatus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Schaeffer in 1926. Like other members of the genus Chlamisus, adults construct protective cases from fecal material and plant debris that cover the entire body. The species has been recorded from regions in North America and Middle America. Published biological information is limited, reflecting its rarity in collections and limited observational records.
Chlamisus texanus
warty leaf beetle
Chlamisus texanus is a species of warty leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It belongs to the tribe Chlamisini, a group known for their distinctive sculptured, warty appearance. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with woody vegetation, though specific host plant relationships remain poorly documented.
Chrysochus auratus
Dogbane Leaf Beetle, Dogbane Beetle
Chrysochus auratus is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, notable for its striking iridescent blue-green coloration with coppery or golden metallic highlights. This beetle is strictly associated with dogbane plants (Apocynum spp.), feeding on leaves as adults and roots as larvae. It has evolved specialized physiological and behavioral adaptations to overcome the toxic cardenolide defenses of its host plants, including a modified Na+/K+-ATPase enzyme that allows it to process and even sequester these compounds for its own chemical defense against predators.
Chrysodinopsis basalis
Chrysodinopsis basalis is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Jacoby in 1890. The species occurs in North and Middle America. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases, with only one iNaturalist record documented. As a member of the Chrysomelidae, it is part of a large family of herbivorous beetles commonly known as leaf beetles, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Chrysolina basilaris
Chrysolina basilaris is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by Thomas Say in 1824. The species occurs in North America, with records from western Canada including Alberta, British Columbia, and Yukon Territory. As a member of the genus Chrysolina, it belongs to a group of leaf beetles known for feeding on various plants, though specific details for this species are limited.
Chrysolina fastuosa
Chrysolina fastuosa is a small (5.0–6.0 mm), univoltine leaf beetle native to the Palearctic Region, ranging from eastern Siberia to western Europe. First North American records document established populations in Nova Scotia, Canada and Vermont, USA, separated by over 900 km. The species is distinguished by bright metallic green coloration with blue at the elytral suture and often orange median longitudinal areas on the elytra. It feeds on Lamiaceae, particularly Galeopsis species, and has the potential to spread across the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.
Chrysolina flavomarginata
Yellow-margined Leaf Beetle
Chrysolina flavomarginata is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to North America, with records from the United States and Canada. The species is active in fall, which is unusual among jewel beetles. It has been observed on yellow flowers of the Asteraceae family.
Chrysolina hyperici
Saint John's Wort Beetle, St. Johnswort Beetle, Klamathweed Beetle
Chrysolina hyperici is a leaf-feeding chrysomelid beetle native to Europe and Asia, widely introduced as a biological control agent for invasive St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). The species has been established in North America, Australia, and other regions where its host plant has become problematic. Populations are often transient and alone do not provide sustained weed suppression, though the beetle can mechanically vector a host-specific fungal pathogen that enhances control effectiveness.
Chrysolina marginata
Margined Leaf Beetle
Chrysolina marginata is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Linnaeus in 1758. The species has been recorded in Europe, Northern Asia, and North America, though its taxonomic status is marked as doubtful in some databases. As a member of the genus Chrysolina, it belongs to a diverse group of leaf beetles commonly associated with herbaceous vegetation.
Chrysolina quadrigemina
greater St. John's wort beetle, St. John's wort beetle
Chrysolina quadrigemina is a leaf beetle introduced to North America as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort). Native to Europe and North Africa, this beetle has established populations across western North America and has been introduced to Australia. Adults and larvae feed exclusively on Hypericum species, with documented spillover onto native congeners such as H. punctatum in the eastern United States. The beetle exhibits a univoltine life cycle with adults active in summer, and shows evidence of post-colonization adaptation to colder climates in northern populations.
Chrysolina schaefferi
Chrysolina schaefferi is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Brown in 1962. The species is known from North America. As a member of the genus Chrysolina, it belongs to a group of leaf beetles commonly associated with herbaceous plants, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented. The species appears to be rarely collected, with limited observation records available.
Chrysolina subsulcata
Chrysolina subsulcata is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Mannerheim in 1853. It has a Holarctic distribution, occurring across Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. The species is one of approximately 150 recognized species in the genus Chrysolina, a group of leaf beetles often associated with specific host plants.
Chrysolina varians
Chrysolina varians is a leaf beetle species native to Europe and the sole member of the subgenus Sphaeromela within the genus Chrysolina. It has been introduced to Australia and North America. The species is part of a genus that includes several biocontrol agents used against invasive plants.
Chrysomela confluens
Chrysomela confluens is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. Research demonstrates that this species exhibits dramatically elevated abundance in plant hybrid zones between cottonwood species (Populus), where staggered leaf phenologies create 'phenological sinks' that concentrate beetle populations. The species depends on newly flushed leaves for optimal growth and reproduction, and its distribution is strongly tied to host plant phenology rather than host plant taxonomy alone.
Chrysomela interrupta
alder leaf beetle
Chrysomela interrupta, the alder leaf beetle, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae found in North America. It is one of several species in the genus Chrysomela associated with woody host plants. The species is documented in entomological records and citizen science observations, though detailed biological studies appear limited in the accessible literature.
Chrysomela knabi
Knab's Leaf Beetle
Chrysomela knabi is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Brown in 1956. It is a willow-feeding specialist found in North America, with two recognized subspecies: C. k. knabi and C. k. hesperia. The species has been studied for its larval performance and adult fitness in relation to host plant quality and moisture content.
Chrysomela lineatopunctata
Chrysomela lineatopunctata is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to North America and has been recorded in several Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. The species belongs to a genus of leaf beetles that are primarily associated with woody host plants, particularly willows and related Salicaceae.
Chrysomela mainensis
Maine Leaf Beetle
Chrysomela mainensis is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Bechyné in 1954. The species is found in North America, with observations recorded primarily from the northern United States and Canada. It belongs to a genus of leaf beetles that are typically associated with willow hosts. Three subspecies have been described: C. m. mainensis, C. m. interna, and C. m. littorea.
Chrysomela mainensis interna
Chrysomela mainensis interna is a subspecies of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by W.J. Brown in 1956. It belongs to the genus Chrysomela, a group of willow-feeding leaf beetles. The subspecies is part of the North American fauna of Chrysomela, which includes several closely related taxa with specialized host plant associations.
Chrysomela schaefferi
Chrysomela schaefferi is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by W.J. Brown in 1956 and is found in North America, with records from Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. As a member of the genus Chrysomela, it belongs to a group of leaf beetles that are typically associated with willow and poplar host plants.