Chrysomelidae
Guides
Cryptocephalus defectus
Texas Yellow Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus defectus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1880. The species is known from North America, with the common name "Texas Yellow Cryptocephalus" suggesting a primary association with Texas and surrounding regions. As a member of the genus Cryptocephalus, it exhibits the typical concealed feeding behavior of its group, with larvae constructing portable cases from fecal material and host plant debris. Available documentation for this species is limited, with only 16 observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Cryptocephalus downiei
Downie's spotted leaf beetle, Downie-dotted Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus downiei is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described in 2000 by E. Riley and Gilbert, with the specific epithet honoring American psychologist and coleopterist Norville Downie. The species is known from North America and belongs to a genus whose larvae construct portable cases from their own feces and shed exoskeletons.
Cryptocephalus duryi
Tamaulipan Freckled Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus duryi is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Schaeffer in 1906. It is known from North America, with iNaturalist records documenting 17 observations. The species belongs to a genus of leaf beetles characterized by larvae that construct portable cases from fecal material and shed skins.
Cryptocephalus falli
Fall's Florida Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus falli is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by Schöller in 2002. The species is found in North America. As a member of the genus Cryptocephalus, it belongs to a group commonly known as case-bearing leaf beetles, where larvae construct protective cases from their own excrement and shed skins.
Cryptocephalus gibbicollis
Hump-necked Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus gibbicollis is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Haldeman in 1849. The species is found in North America and belongs to a genus whose larvae construct protective cases from their own fecal material combined with plant debris. The specific epithet "gibbicollis" refers to a humped or swollen neck (collum), likely describing a distinctive pronotal or cervical feature of this species.
Cryptocephalus guttulatellus
Spotted Tamaulipan Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus guttulatellus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America. The species is part of a large genus of leaf beetles commonly known as case-bearers due to the habit of larvae constructing protective cases from their own fecal material and shed exoskeletons.
Cryptocephalus guttulatus
Fourteen-spotted Leaf Beetle
Cryptocephalus guttulatus, commonly known as the fourteen-spotted leaf beetle, is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is found in North America, with documented records from Ontario and Québec in Canada. It belongs to a large genus of leaf beetles known for their rounded, compact bodies and protective larval cases. The common name refers to the spotted pattern on its elytra.
Cryptocephalus implacidus
Coarse Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus implacidus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by R. White in 1968. It occurs in North America, where adults are associated with herbaceous vegetation. The species is part of the diverse genus Cryptocephalus, whose members are commonly known as case-bearing leaf beetles due to the habit of larvae constructing protective cases from fecal material and shed exoskeletons.
Cryptocephalus incertus
Uncertain Case-bearing Leaf Beetle
Cryptocephalus incertus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America, with distribution records from Ontario and Québec in Canada. The species was described by Olivier in 1808. As a member of the genus Cryptocephalus, it belongs to a group of leaf beetles known for their distinctive case-bearing behavior, where larvae construct and carry protective cases from their own fecal material and host plant debris.
Cryptocephalus insertus
Inserted Case-bearing Leaf Beetle
Cryptocephalus insertus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America, with records from Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario in Canada. The species was described by Haldeman in 1849. As a member of the genus Cryptocephalus, it shares the characteristic behavior of larvae that construct portable cases from their own fecal material and shed skins.
Cryptocephalus leucomelas
Bi-blotched Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus leucomelas is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, measuring 4.0–6.0 mm in length. It is distributed across North America, including the United States and Canada. The species belongs to a genus commonly known as case-bearing leaf beetles, with larvae that construct protective cases from fecal material and shed skins. Three subspecies have been described: C. l. leucomelas, C. l. trisignatus, and C. l. vitticollis.
Cryptocephalus maccus
Clown-faced Cryptocephalus, Clown face
Cryptocephalus maccus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by R. White in 1968. The species is known by the common names "Clown-faced Cryptocephalus" and "Clown face," the latter referencing its distinctive coloration. It occurs in North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in the available literature. Like other members of the genus Cryptocephalus, adults are likely associated with vegetation where they feed and reproduce.
Cryptocephalus merus
case-bearing leaf beetle
Cryptocephalus merus is a small case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, measuring 3.8–4.3 mm in length. The species is known from a restricted distribution in the southwestern United States, with confirmed records from Arizona and Texas and possible occurrence in Mexico. Like other members of the genus, adults construct protective cases from fecal material and shed exoskeletons that cover the abdomen.
Cryptocephalus multisignatus
Cryptocephalus multisignatus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Schaeffer in 1933. The species is known to occur in North America. Like other members of the genus Cryptocephalus, adults likely feed on foliage of various plants, though specific host associations for this species remain undocumented. The larvae construct protective cases from fecal material and shed skins, a characteristic trait of the subfamily Cryptocephalinae.
Cryptocephalus mutabilis
Shield-backed Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus mutabilis is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Canada (Manitoba, Ontario, and Québec). The species belongs to a large genus of small to medium-sized leaf beetles commonly known as case-bearers due to their habit of constructing protective cases from fecal material and shed skins.
Cryptocephalus nigrocinctus
Metallic Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus nigrocinctus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Suffrian in 1852. It is known by the common name Metallic Cryptocephalus. The species occurs in North America and the Caribbean region. As a member of the genus Cryptocephalus, it shares the characteristic behavior of constructing portable cases from fecal material and shed exoskeletons.
Cryptocephalus notatus fulvipennis
Cryptocephalus obsoletus
obsoletus case-bearing leaf beetle
Cryptocephalus obsoletus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate C. o. obsoletus and C. o. indistinctus (described by R. White in 1968). The species is distributed across North America. As with other members of the genus, larvae construct portable cases from fecal material and shed skins, earning the common name "case-bearing" leaf beetles.
Cryptocephalus optimus
Happy Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus optimus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Schöller in 2002. The species is found in North America. Very little specific biological information is available for this species beyond its taxonomic placement and general distribution.
Cryptocephalus pallidicinctus
Pale-bordered Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus pallidicinctus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Fall in 1932. It is known from North America, with very limited observational records. As a member of the genus Cryptocephalus, it likely shares the characteristic behavior of larvae constructing portable cases from fecal material and exuviae, though specific details for this species remain undocumented.
Cryptocephalus pseudomaccus
Cryptocephalus pseudomaccus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by R. White in 1968 and is known to occur in North America. As a member of the genus Cryptocephalus, it belongs to a group of leaf beetles characterized by their habit of constructing protective cases from their own fecal material.
Cryptocephalus pubicollis
Cryptocephalus pubicollis is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species was described by Linell in 1898. It is found in North America. Like other members of the genus Cryptocephalus, adults construct portable cases from their own excrement and shed exoskeletons, which they carry throughout their lives.
Cryptocephalus pumilus
Pale Coastal Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus pumilus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Haldeman in 1849. It is known from North America, with iNaturalist observations suggesting it may be associated with coastal or near-coastal habitats based on its common name. Like other members of the genus Cryptocephalus, adults construct protective cases from fecal material and shed exuviae that cover the abdomen. The species is part of a large genus of leaf beetles, many of which are associated with specific host plants.
Cryptocephalus quadruplex
Black and Red Sumac Leaf Beetle
Cryptocephalus quadruplex is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species occurs across North America, with records from Canada (Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario) and the United States. As a member of the case-bearing leaf beetles, its larvae construct protective cases from fecal matter and sometimes plant debris. The species has been observed on sumac (Rhus) and other vegetation in prairie and open woodland habitats.
Cryptocephalus quercus
Cryptocephalus quercus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Schaeffer in 1906. The specific epithet 'quercus' refers to oak, suggesting an association with Quercus species. It is found in North America, though detailed natural history information remains limited.
Cryptocephalus sanguinicollis nigerrimus
A subspecies of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. Described by Crotch in 1874. Very few observations exist, with only 3 records in iNaturalist. Known from Middle and North America.
Cryptocephalus schreibersii
Furrow-necked Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus schreibersii is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America. The species belongs to the genus Cryptocephalus, a large group of leaf beetles commonly known as case-bearers due to their habit of constructing protective cases from fecal material and exuviae.
Cryptocephalus simulans
case-bearing leaf beetle
Cryptocephalus simulans is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America. The species was described by Schaeffer in 1906 and includes four recognized subspecies. Like other members of the genus, adults are associated with vegetation and larvae construct protective cases from excrement and shed skins.
Cryptocephalus striatulus
Narrow-headed Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus striatulus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America, with records from Québec, Canada. The species was described by LeConte in 1880. As a member of the genus Cryptocephalus, it likely exhibits the characteristic behavior of larvae that construct and carry protective cases from fecal material and shed exuviae.
Cryptocephalus texanus
Texas Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus texanus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Schaeffer in 1933. As a member of the genus Cryptocephalus, it possesses the characteristic hardened larval case formed from fecal material and shed exuviae. The species is known from North America, with records primarily from the southern United States. Like other members of its genus, adults are small, rounded leaf beetles with enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping.
Cryptocephalus tinctus
Tinged Case-bearing Leaf Beetle
Cryptocephalus tinctus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to North America, with records from the United States and Canada including Québec. As a member of the genus Cryptocephalus, it possesses the characteristic case-bearing habit where larvae construct portable cases from fecal material and shed exoskeletons. The specific epithet "tinctus" (Latin for "tinged" or "dyed") likely refers to subtle coloration differences from related species.
Cryptocephalus triundulatus
Third-wave Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus triundulatus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by R. White in 1968. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with herbaceous vegetation and has been collected by sweeping plants in prairie and sand prairie habitats.
Cryptocephalus trizonatus
Tri-banded Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus trizonatus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is characterized by three distinct bands or zones on its elytra, which gives rise to both its scientific name ('trizonatus' meaning 'three-zoned') and its common name. It occurs across Central America and North America, with 43 observations documented on iNaturalist. Like other members of the genus Cryptocephalus, it is associated with vegetation and has been collected by sweeping herbaceous plants.
Cryptocephalus umbonatus
Cryptocephalus umbonatus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Schaeffer in 1906. It is found in North America. Like other members of its genus, it belongs to a group commonly known as case-bearing leaf beetles due to the habit of larvae constructing protective cases from fecal material and exuviae.
Cyclotrypema furcata
Straggler Daisy Leaf Beetle
Cyclotrypema furcata is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae and the sole described species in its genus. It is known from Texas and Mexico. The common name 'Straggler Daisy Leaf Beetle' suggests an association with the plant genus Calyptocarpus, commonly called straggler daisy, though this relationship has not been formally documented in available sources. As a member of Chrysomelidae, it likely feeds on plant foliage, but specific host records remain unverified.
Deloyala barberi
Deloyala barberi is a species of tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae. It is native to North America. Like other members of the genus Deloyala, it is associated with plants in the family Convolvulaceae, particularly morning glories (Ipomoea species). The species was described by Spaeth in 1936.
Deloyala lecontii
Deloyala lecontii is a North American tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae. The species is associated with plants in the genus Convolvulus (morning glories). It exhibits golden iridescent coloration that distinguishes it from related taxa. The species is smaller than members of the genus Chelymorpha but shares similar host plant associations.
Demotina
Demotina is a genus of leaf beetles in the subfamily Eumolpinae containing over 50 described species. The genus is native to Asia, Australia, and Oceania, with one adventive species (Demotina modesta) established in the southeastern United States. Some species are known to be parthenogenetic. One species, Demotina fasciculata, has been documented engaging in cecidophagy—feeding on plant galls induced by cynipid wasps.
Derocrepis carinata
Derocrepis carinata is a species of leaf-mining beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Hispinae. It belongs to the tribe Hispini, which contains beetles known for mining tissues within leaves rather than feeding externally. The species was described by Linell in 1897 and is native to North America. Like other members of its genus, it likely produces characteristic serpentine or blotch mines in host plant foliage.
Derospidea
Derospidea is a genus of skeletonizing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, established by Blake in 1931. The genus contains at least three described species, including Derospidea brevicollis, Derospidea cyaneomaculata, and Derospidea ornata. Members are found in North America and Mexico. As skeletonizing leaf beetles, they feed on leaf tissue between the veins, leaving a characteristic lace-like pattern.
Derospidea ornata
Tamaulipan Pricklyash Leaf Beetle
Derospidea ornata is a skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, found in Central and North America. The species is known by the common name Tamaulipan Pricklyash Leaf Beetle. As a skeletonizing leaf beetle, adults feed on leaf tissue between the veins, leaving a lace-like appearance. The species has been documented in 26 iNaturalist observations.
Diabrotica adelpha
Festive Diabrotica
Diabrotica adelpha is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Edgar von Harold in 1875. The species is notable for its distinctive coloration featuring a black head, red pronotum, and patterned elytra with black, white, and yellow markings. It is a member of the economically important genus Diabrotica, which includes several significant agricultural pests, though specific pest status for D. adelpha itself is not well documented.
Diabrotica barberi
northern corn rootworm
Diabrotica barberi, the northern corn rootworm, is a chrysomelid beetle native to North America and a major pest of corn (Zea mays). Larvae feed on corn roots, causing significant economic damage, while adults feed on corn silks, pollen, and leaves. Unlike the western corn rootworm, D. barberi has not developed resistance to Bt traits in Iowa as of 2019-2020 surveys. The species exhibits extended diapause in some populations, with eggs remaining dormant for multiple years before hatching. Research indicates its flight behavior differs from D. virgifera, with shorter but more frequent flights and less sustained long-distance movement.
Diabrotica cristata
Black Diabrotica
Diabrotica cristata, commonly known as the black diabrotica, is a species of skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to North America and has been recorded in Canada (Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan) and the United States. The species is part of the economically significant genus Diabrotica, which includes several agricultural pests, though specific economic impacts of D. cristata itself are not well documented. Based on iNaturalist records, the species has been observed approximately 1,840 times.
Diabrotica undecimpunctata
spotted cucumber beetle, southern corn rootworm, western cucumber beetle, western spotted cucumber beetle
Diabrotica undecimpunctata is a leaf beetle native to North America and a major agricultural pest. Adults are greenish-yellow with twelve black spots on the elytra. The species exhibits broad polyphagy, feeding on over 200 plant species across approximately 50 families. Three subspecies are recognized, with D. u. howardi (eastern) and D. u. undecimpunctata (western) being the most significant agriculturally. The species vectors bacterial wilt (Erwinia tracheiphila) and Pantoea ananatis, contributing to disease spread in cucurbits and corn.
Diabrotica virgifera
Western corn rootworm, Mexican corn rootworm
Diabrotica virgifera is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, comprising two subspecies: D. v. virgifera (western corn rootworm) and D. v. zeae (Mexican corn rootworm). Both subspecies are significant agricultural pests of maize (Zea mays), with larvae feeding on corn roots and adults feeding on silks, pollen, and leaves. The species has been responsible for substantial economic damage to corn production, with estimates of $1 billion annually in yield losses and control costs in North America. The western corn rootworm has shown remarkable adaptive capacity, having evolved resistance to multiple management strategies including crop rotation and Bt toxins.
Diabrotica virgifera zeae
Mexican corn rootworm
Diabrotica virgifera zeae, the Mexican corn rootworm, is a subspecies of the western corn rootworm complex and a significant agricultural pest of corn (Zea mays) in Mexico and parts of the southern United States. Larvae feed on corn roots, causing damage that can lead to reduced yield, stunting, and plant lodging. Unlike the western corn rootworm subspecies (D. v. virgifera), the Mexican corn rootworm has been documented to damage corn following sorghum rotation in parts of South Central Texas, though this remains rare. Adults feed on corn silks, pollen, and leaves. The species has one generation per year, with eggs laid in soil during summer and fall, hatching the following spring when corn roots become available.
Diabroticina
Diabroticina is a subtribe of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Luperini) comprising approximately six genera and numerous species, many of which are economically significant agricultural pests. The subtribe exhibits striking species diversity, particularly in the Neotropics, with feeding habits ranging from highly polyphagous to oligophagous on single host families. Adults primarily feed on pollen, while larvae are root-feeders. Ecological and behavioral data remain incomplete for most non-pest species.
Diachus
case-bearing leaf beetles
Diachus is a genus of case-bearing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae. The genus contains approximately 10 described species, with a distribution centered in the Americas. Members of this genus are characterized by their case-bearing habit, where larvae construct protective cases from fecal material and exuviae. The genus was established by J.L. LeConte in 1880.
Diachus auratus
bronze leaf beetle
Diachus auratus, commonly known as the bronze leaf beetle, is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species exhibits a remarkably broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents including Australia, the Caribbean, Central America, North America, Oceania, South America, and Southern Asia. As a member of the Cryptocephalinae subfamily, it shares the characteristic protective case-bearing behavior of its relatives. The species was originally described by Fabricius in 1801 under the basionym Cryptocephalus auratus.