Chrysomelidae
Guides
Chrysomela scripta
cottonwood leaf beetle
Chrysomela scripta, the cottonwood leaf beetle, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae that feeds on Populus species, particularly cottonwoods and hybrid poplars. It is native to North and Central America and has been documented as a significant pest of poplar plantations. The species completes multiple generations per year in temperate regions, with development strongly influenced by temperature. It is subject to biological control by predators and parasitoids, and serves as host to the microsporidian parasite Nosema scripta.
Colaspidea
Colaspidea is a genus of leaf beetles in the subfamily Eumolpinae. The genus exhibits a disjunct distribution, occurring in the Mediterranean region and in western North America (California and the southwestern United States). A notable morphological distinction exists between regional species: North American species possess fully developed wings, while Mediterranean species are wingless. Recent phylogenetic hypotheses suggest that Mediterranean Colaspidea may be sister to Chalcosicya, with Colaspina sister to both combined; North American species may represent a separate genus. The genus currently contains 19 described species.
Colaspidea pallipes
Colaspidea pallipes is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Fall in 1933. The genus Colaspidea belongs to a group of leaf beetles commonly associated with vegetation, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented. Records indicate its presence in North America.
Colaspidea smaragdula
Colaspidea smaragdula is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by J.L. LeConte in 1857. The species is found in North America. It belongs to the genus Colaspidea, which comprises leaf beetles within the diverse chrysomelid family.
Colaspis arizonensis
Colaspis arizonensis is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by American entomologist Charles Frederic August Schaeffer in 1933. The species is known from a limited geographic range in southeastern Arizona and northwestern Mexico. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only four documented observations in iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Colaspis brownsvillensis
Brownsville milkvine leaf beetle, Texas Milkvine Colaspis
Colaspis brownsvillensis is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Doris Holmes Blake in 1975 (published 1976) from specimens collected in Brownsville, Texas. The species is endemic to Texas and is closely related to Colaspis nigrocyanea. It is commonly known as the Brownsville milkvine leaf beetle or Texas Milkvine Colaspis. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only 20 documented observations in iNaturalist.
Colaspis brunnea
grape colaspis
Colaspis brunnea, commonly known as the grape colaspis, is a small leaf beetle native to eastern North America. Adults are brown in color and approximately 5 mm in length, with elytra bearing parallel rows of puncture marks. The species is univoltine, overwintering as larvae in the soil. While it has been observed feeding on crops including corn and soybeans, documented economic damage remains limited.
Colaspis crinicornis
grape colaspis
Colaspis sp-near-crinicornis, commonly known as grape colaspis, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is recognized as an early-season pest of soybean in the southern United States. The species has been documented in economic entomology studies evaluating neonicotinoid seed treatments for pest management.
Colaspis cruriflava
Colaspis cruriflava is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, known only from Arizona, United States. The species was described by entomologist Doris Holmes Blake in 1977. Its specific epithet "cruriflava" refers to yellow legs, a distinctive morphological feature. The genus Colaspis includes numerous species associated with various host plants, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Colaspis flavocostata
Colaspis flavocostata is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by C.F.A. Schaeffer in 1933. It is restricted to coastal southeastern United States, with records from Mississippi through Florida to South Carolina. The species includes two recognized subspecies: C. f. flavocostata and C. f. avaloni.
Colaspis floridana
Colaspis floridana is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Charles Schaeffer in 1934 as a variety of Colaspis brunnea and elevated to full species rank by Doris Blake in 1974. It occurs in the southeastern United States, with records from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The species feeds on leaves of various plants including crop species and ornamentals, though it has not been reported as an economically damaging pest.
Colaspis hesperia
Western Brown Colaspis Leaf Beetle
Colaspis hesperia is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, native to southwestern North America. The specific epithet "hesperia" derives from the Greek word for "western," reflecting its geographic distribution. It is closely related to Colaspis brunnea. The species has been documented in 51 observations on iNaturalist.
Colaspis louisianae
Colaspis louisianae is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, distributed in Texas and Louisiana. According to Chapin (1979), it is the most common species of the genus Colaspis in field crops in Louisiana. It is morphologically similar to Colaspis brunnea, requiring careful examination for identification.
Colaspis melaina
Grape colaspis
Colaspis melaina is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the grape colaspis. It is recognized as an early-season pest of soybeans in the southern United States, particularly in the lower Mississippi Valley region including Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The species is one of several Colaspis beetles associated with agricultural crops, and its larvae feed on plant roots while adults feed on foliage.
Colaspis viridiceps
Green-headed Colaspis Leaf Beetle
Colaspis viridiceps is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, native to southwestern North America. It was first described by Charles Frederic August Schaeffer in 1933. The species is distinguished by its greenish head coloration, reflected in its specific epithet. Two subspecies are recognized: C. viridiceps viridiceps and C. viridiceps australis.
Coleorozena fulvilabris
Coleorozena fulvilabris is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Coleorozena, it belongs to a group of leaf beetles known for constructing protective larval cases from fecal material and shed exuviae.
Coleorozena lecontii
Coleorozena lecontii is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It occurs in North America, with records from British Columbia, Canada. The species was originally described by Crotch in 1873.
Coleothorpa axillaris
A case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae with eight recognized subspecies. The species exhibits notable geographic variation across its range in Central and North America. Subspecies were described primarily by Moldenke in 1970, with additional earlier descriptions by LeConte and Dahl.
Coleothorpa axillaris quadratominor
Coleothorpa axillaris quadratominor is a subspecies of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by Moldenke in 1970. The species is part of the genus Coleothorpa, which belongs to the tribe Clytrini within the subfamily Cryptocephalinae. Members of this genus construct protective cases from fecal material, a characteristic behavior of the Clytrini. The subspecific epithet 'quadratominor' suggests a diminutive or reduced quadrate (square) feature relative to the nominate subspecies.
Coptocycla
Coptocycla is a genus of tortoise beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae. The genus contains approximately 58 described species. Members of this genus are leaf beetles characterized by their distinctive body form, with the elytra and pronotum expanded to cover the body margins. These beetles are primarily found in the Americas.
Cornulactica
Cornulactica is a genus of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) described by Bechyné in 1955. The genus is currently classified as doubtful in GBIF, indicating taxonomic uncertainty regarding its validity or circumscription. It belongs to the diverse family Chrysomelidae, one of the largest families of beetles, whose members are primarily herbivorous. The genus has been documented in iNaturalist with 71 observations, suggesting some level of field recognition, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Coscinoptera
Coscinoptera is a genus of case-bearing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae. The genus was established by Lacordaire in 1848. Members of this genus belong to the subfamily Cryptocephalinae, tribe Clytrini, and are characterized by their case-bearing larval habit where larvae construct protective cases from fecal material and plant debris. The genus includes species such as C. aeneipennis, C. mucida, and C. villosa.
Coscinoptera aeneipennis
Bronze-winged Cryptocephaline
Coscinoptera aeneipennis is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. The specific epithet 'aeneipennis' refers to the bronze-colored wings. As a member of the Cryptocephalinae, larvae construct protective cases from fecal material and shed skins.
Crepidodera
Studded Flea Beetles
Crepidodera is a genus of flea beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, comprising approximately 40 described species worldwide. Members are commonly known as Studded Flea Beetles. They belong to the tribe Alticini and possess the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles, enabling their distinctive jumping behavior. The genus occurs across the Holarctic region, with species documented in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Crepidodera aereola
Crepidodera aereola is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, native to North America. As a member of the tribe Alticini, it possesses the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles, enabling jumping behavior. The species is among the smallest flea beetles in its region, with adults measuring approximately 1–1.6 mm in length. It has been documented feeding on plants in the genus Hibiscus.
Crepidodera browni
Metallic Brown Flea Beetle
Crepidodera browni is a flea beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Parry in 1986. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Alberta and Ontario in Canada. As a member of the genus Crepidodera, it shares the characteristic jumping ability of flea beetles, enabled by enlarged hind femora. Information regarding its biology, ecology, and specific host associations remains limited.
Crepidodera heikertingeri
Crepidodera heikertingeri is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Lazorko in 1974. It is found in North America, with records from western Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. As a member of the tribe Alticini, it possesses enlarged hind femora that enable jumping when disturbed. Information on its biology and host associations remains limited.
Crepidodera luminosa
Crepidodera luminosa is a flea beetle in the subfamily Galerucinae (tribe Alticini), described by Parry in 1986. The species is recorded from eastern Canada and is part of a genus containing some of the smallest flea beetles in North America. Like other members of Alticini, it possesses enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping.
Crepidodera nana
tiny aspen flea beetle
Crepidodera nana is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the tiny aspen flea beetle. It is native to North America and has been recorded from multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. As a member of the subfamily Galerucinae and tribe Alticini, it possesses the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles that enable jumping. The species epithet 'nana' refers to its small size.
Crepidodera opulenta
Crepidodera opulenta is a flea beetle (subfamily Galerucinae, tribe Alticini) first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1858. As a member of the genus Crepidodera, it belongs to a group of small leaf beetles characterized by their jumping ability. Very little specific information is available about this particular species, though the genus is known to contain species associated with various host plants. The species name 'opulenta' suggests a reference to richness or abundance, possibly alluding to coloration or some other distinctive feature noted by LeConte.
Crepidodera populivora
Poplar Flea Beetle
A flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Parry in 1986. The specific epithet suggests an association with Populus (poplar), though detailed ecological studies remain limited. It belongs to a genus of small flea beetles known for their jumping ability.
Crepidodera solita
Crepidodera solita is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Parry in 1986. The species was originally reported as endemic to Ontario, Canada, though subsequent records indicate a broader distribution across Canadian provinces. As a member of the tribe Alticini, it possesses the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles, enabling jumping locomotion. Very little is known about its biology, host associations, or ecology.
Crepidodera violacea
Violet Flea Beetle
Crepidodera violacea is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to North America and belongs to the subfamily Alticinae, characterized by enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The species was described by Melsheimer in 1847. Like other flea beetles, it is likely associated with herbaceous vegetation, though specific host plants are not well documented in available sources.
Criocerini
shining leaf beetles
Criocerini is a tribe of leaf beetles in the subfamily Criocerinae, family Chrysomelidae. Members are commonly known as shining leaf beetles. The tribe includes at least two genera: Crioceris and Lilioceris. These beetles are herbivorous and associated with monocot plants, particularly members of Liliaceae and related families.
Crioceris
asparagus beetle
Crioceris is a genus of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) commonly known as asparagus beetles. The genus includes both widespread agricultural pests and rare species restricted to specialized habitats. Several species are associated with Asparagus host plants, with C. asparagi and C. duodecimpunctata being notable invasive pests. Other species such as C. quinquepunctata and C. quatuordecimpunctata are rare and occupy steppe-like habitats in Eurasia. The genus has been subject to molecular barcoding studies to distinguish closely related species.
Crioceris duodecimpunctata
Spotted Asparagus Beetle
A small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, Crioceris duodecimpunctata is a significant invasive pest of asparagus cultivations. Adults feed on tender shoots and leaves, while larvae develop exclusively on asparagus berries. The species is widespread across the Palearctic region and has been introduced to North America. Molecular studies confirm its status as a sister taxon to C. quatuordecimpunctata, with both species originating nearly simultaneously from a common ancestor.
Cryptocephalina
case-bearer leaf beetles
Cryptocephalina is a subtribe of leaf beetles within the subfamily Cryptocephalinae, commonly known as case-bearer leaf beetles. These beetles are characterized by their distinctive life history: adults possess the ability to retract their head, legs, and antennae into grooves on the body, while larvae construct protective cases from fecal material. The subtribe includes species with highly specialized ecological associations, including myrmecophilous (ant-associated) forms that live within ant nests.
Cryptocephalini
case-bearing leaf beetles
Cryptocephalini is a tribe of leaf beetles within the subfamily Cryptocephalinae, characterized by case-bearing larvae that construct and carry protective cases. The tribe comprises approximately 987–988 species in the Palaearctic region alone, with substantial diversity in arid and Mediterranean zones. Some species exhibit myrmecophilous associations with ants.
Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus is a genus of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) in the subfamily Cryptocephalinae, belonging to the Camptosomata, a group commonly known as case-bearing leaf beetles. The genus is characterized by larvae that construct protective cases from their own fecal matter. It is a large and widespread genus with numerous species distributed across the Holarctic region, though individual species often have restricted ranges and specialized host plant associations.
Cryptocephalus alternans
Cryptocephalus alternans is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It occurs in southwestern North America, including California, Arizona, and Mexico. Two subspecies are recognized: C. a. alternans and C. a. jungovittatus, with the latter measuring 4.7–5.0 mm in length.
Cryptocephalus atrofasciatus
Cryptocephalus atrofasciatus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Jacoby in 1880. It belongs to a large genus of leaf beetles known for their rounded, compact bodies and enlarged hind femora. The species has been recorded from both Central America and North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented. Like other members of Cryptocephalus, adults likely feed on foliage of various plants, with larvae developing in protective cases constructed from fecal material and plant debris.
Cryptocephalus aulicus
Princely-spotted Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus aulicus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Haldeman in 1849. It occurs in North America and belongs to a large genus of small, often brightly colored beetles commonly known as case-bearing leaf beetles due to the habit of larvae constructing portable cases from fecal material and shed skins. The specific epithet "aulicus" suggests a princely or courtly association, reflected in its preferred common name.
Cryptocephalus australobispinus
Sand Plains Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus australobispinus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by Riley and Gilbert in 2000. The species is found in North America and is associated with sand prairie habitats. Like other members of the genus, adults likely feed on foliage of host plants and larvae develop in portable cases constructed from fecal material and plant debris.
Cryptocephalus badius
Bay-necked Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus badius is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It occurs in North America and is known by the common name Bay-necked Cryptocephalus. As a member of the genus Cryptocephalus, it belongs to a group of beetles commonly referred to as case-bearers due to their habit of constructing protective cases from fecal material and shed skins.
Cryptocephalus binotatus
Cryptocephalus binotatus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by R. White in 1968. It is found in North America. Like other members of the genus, it likely exhibits the characteristic case-bearing behavior where larvae construct protective cases from their own fecal material and shed exoskeletons.
Cryptocephalus bispinus
Cryptocephalus bispinus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Suffrian in 1858. The species is known from North America, though detailed biological information remains limited. Like other members of the genus Cryptocephalus, it likely exhibits the characteristic case-bearing behavior where larvae construct protective cases from their own fecal material and shed skins.
Cryptocephalus brunneovittatus
Texas Brown-striped Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus brunneovittatus is a case-bearing leaf beetle described by Schaeffer in 1904. It belongs to the genus Cryptocephalus, a large group of leaf beetles known for constructing protective cases from fecal material and exuviae. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with the common name "Texas Brown-striped Cryptocephalus" suggesting a primary association with Texas in the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to feed on plant foliage, though specific host associations remain undocumented.
Cryptocephalus calidus
Fiery Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus calidus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, native to North America. It is commonly known as the Fiery Cryptocephalus due to its coloration. The species belongs to a genus whose members are characterized by larvae that construct portable cases from fecal material and shed skins. As with other Cryptocephalus species, adults are typically found on vegetation where they feed on leaves.
Cryptocephalus castaneus
Chestnut-colored Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus castaneus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America. The species is one of over 1,000 described species in the genus Cryptocephalus, a diverse group of leaf beetles known for their rounded, compact bodies and enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The specific epithet "castaneus" refers to the chestnut coloration typical of this species.
Cryptocephalus cupressi
Cypress Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus cupressi is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Schaeffer in 1933. As a member of the large genus Cryptocephalus, this species is known from North America. The specific epithet 'cupressi' suggests an association with cypress (Cupressaceae), though detailed biological information remains limited. The species is documented in 11 iNaturalist observations.