Chrysomelidae
Guides
Diachus catarius
Diachus catarius is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Suffrian in 1852. The species is recorded from eastern Canada, specifically New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. Very few observations exist in public databases, suggesting it may be uncommon or underreported. As a member of Chrysomelidae, it belongs to a family of herbivorous beetles, though species-specific biology remains poorly documented.
Diachus subopacus
Diachus subopacus is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Schaeffer in 1906. It belongs to the tribe Clytrini, a group known for their association with grasses and sedges. The species is found in North America and is one of several species in the genus Diachus, which are generally characterized by their compact, somewhat rounded body form and dull coloration.
Dibolia borealis
Northern Plantain Flea Beetle
Dibolia borealis is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the northern plantain flea beetle. It is found in North America and is associated with Plantago species as host plants. Adults exhibit differential feeding and oviposition preferences among various Plantago hosts, with ecological implications for host plant selection behavior.
Dibolia chelones
Dibolia chelones is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Parry in 1974. It is one of six species newly described in the 1974 revision of the genus Dibolia for North America north of Mexico. The species is part of a genus of small leaf beetles commonly known as flea beetles due to their enlarged hind femora that enable jumping.
Diorhabda carinulata
Northern Tamarisk Beetle, Saltcedar Beetle, Saltcedar Leaf Beetle, Tamarisk Leaf Beetle
Diorhabda carinulata is a leaf beetle native to Central Asia, introduced to North America as a classical biological control agent for invasive saltcedar (Tamarix spp.). Adults and larvae feed exclusively on Tamarix foliage, causing defoliation that can reduce tamarisk biomass by 75–85% over multiple years. The species has established successfully in the western United States, with populations evolving shorter critical day lengths for diapause induction that enable range expansion. Its introduction has generated conservation concerns due to impacts on nesting habitat for the federally endangered southwestern willow flycatcher.
Diorhabda sublineata
Subtropical Tamarisk Beetle, Saltcedar Beetle, Saltcedar Leaf Beetle, Tamarisk Leaf Beetle
Diorhabda sublineata is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the subtropical tamarisk beetle. Originally described from Algeria in 1849, it was restored to full species status in 2009 after being treated as a subspecies or synonym of D. elongata for over a century. It is a specialist feeder on tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) and has been introduced to North America as a biological control agent against invasive saltcedar. The species is particularly adapted to subtropical and Mediterranean climates.
Diplacaspis
Diplacaspis is a genus of warty leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, established by Jacobson in 1924. The genus contains at least three described species: Diplacaspis chlamysoides, Diplacaspis pectoralis, and Diplacaspis prosternalis. These beetles belong to the subfamily Cryptocephalinae, commonly known as warty leaf beetles or case-bearing leaf beetles. The genus is poorly documented in scientific literature, with limited information available on its biology and ecology.
Disonycha alabamae
Disonycha alabamae is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Schaeffer in 1919. The species is known from limited records in North America. As a member of the genus Disonycha, it belongs to a group of leaf beetles often associated with specific host plants. Available data on this species is sparse, with only three observations documented in iNaturalist.
Disonycha alternata
Striped Willow Leaf Beetle
Disonycha alternata, commonly known as the striped willow leaf beetle, is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is distributed across North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the genus Disonycha, it is associated with willow (Salix) host plants.
Disonycha arizonae
Disonycha arizonae is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America, with confirmed records from regions including Manitoba, Canada. Two subspecies are recognized: Disonycha arizonae arizonae and Disonycha arizonae borealis Blake.
Disonycha balsbaughi
Disonycha balsbaughi is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Blake in 1970. It is known from North America. Like other members of the genus Disonycha, it likely possesses enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The species is poorly documented in the literature, with minimal published information on its biology and ecology.
Disonycha caroliniana
Disonycha caroliniana is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America. Like other flea beetles, it possesses enlarged hind femora that enable jumping locomotion. The genus Disonycha comprises herbivorous leaf beetles, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited.
Disonycha conjugata
Disonycha conjugata is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Fabricius in 1801. It belongs to the genus Disonycha, which comprises numerous flea beetle species primarily associated with herbaceous plants. The species has been documented across the Caribbean and North America based on occurrence records.
Disonycha discoidea abbreviata
Disonycha discoidea abbreviata is a subspecies of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It belongs to a genus of leaf-feeding beetles commonly associated with host plants in several families. The subspecies designation indicates geographic or morphological differentiation from the nominate form D. discoidea. Available records suggest it occurs in North America.
Disonycha fumata
Disonycha fumata is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in Central America and North America.
Disonycha leptolineata
Disonycha leptolineata is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Blatchley in 1917. Like other members of the genus Disonycha, it is characterized by enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. It belongs to the tribe Alticini, the largest tribe within the leaf beetle family.
Disonycha maritima
Disonycha maritima is a flea beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Mannerheim in 1843. It occurs in Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Disonycha, it is likely associated with coastal or maritime habitats given its specific epithet, though detailed ecological studies are limited.
Disonycha pensylvanica
Pennsylvania Flea Beetle
Disonycha pensylvanica is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It has been documented in Central America and North America, including records from Nova Scotia, Canada. As a member of the genus Disonycha, it shares the characteristic enlarged hind femora that enable jumping locomotion typical of flea beetles. The specific epithet "pensylvanica" refers to Pennsylvania, though this likely reflects the type locality rather than an exclusive distribution.
Disonycha procera
Tall Flea Beetle
Disonycha procera is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the Tall Flea Beetle. It is distributed across North America and Central America, with records from the United States, Canada (Alberta), and Middle America. As a member of the flea beetle group, it possesses enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The species is part of the diverse genus Disonycha, which includes numerous North American species associated with various host plants.
Disonycha quinquelineata
Florida Five-lined Yellow Disonycha
Disonycha quinquelineata is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, endemic to Florida. It is characterized by five longitudinal dark stripes on a yellow to pale background. The species is moderately well-documented with over 400 iNaturalist observations, primarily from peninsular Florida.
Disonycha stenosticha
Texas Thin-lined Yellow Disonycha
Disonycha stenosticha is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Schaeffer in 1931. It belongs to the large genus Disonycha, which contains numerous North American flea beetle species. The common name "Texas Thin-lined Yellow Disonycha" suggests a distinctive color pattern and geographic association with Texas.
Disonycha tenuicornis
Disonycha tenuicornis is a flea beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Horn in 1889. As a member of the tribe Alticini, it possesses the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles, enabling jumping locomotion. The species occurs in both Central America and North America. Specific ecological details remain poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Disonycha varicornis
Irridescent Cactus Flea Beetle
Disonycha varicornis is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The species is commonly known as the Irridescent Cactus Flea Beetle. Like other members of the genus Disonycha, it is associated with host plants in the cactus family (Cactaceae).
Distigmoptera apicalis
Distigmoptera apicalis is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. Described by Blake in 1943, it occurs in North America, with confirmed records from Ontario, Canada. The species belongs to the genus Distigmoptera, a group of small leaf beetles characterized by enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. As a member of the subfamily Alticinae, it shares the general flea beetle body plan but specific diagnostic features for this species remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Distigmoptera borealis
Distigmoptera borealis is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Blake in 1943. It is found in northern North America, with records from Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba in Canada. Very little is known about its biology, ecology, or appearance beyond basic taxonomic placement.
Distigmoptera pilosa
Distigmoptera pilosa is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Illiger in 1807. It is a small beetle with a North American distribution, recorded from multiple Canadian provinces including Ontario, Québec, and Saskatchewan. Like other members of its genus, it likely inhabits vegetation in open or semi-open habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The species epithet "pilosa" refers to hairiness, suggesting a notably setose body covering.
Distigmoptera texana
Distigmoptera texana is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Blake in 1943. The genus Distigmoptera is part of a diverse group of leaf beetles, though specific ecological and biological details for this species remain poorly documented. Records indicate presence in North America and Middle America.
Donacia
Donacia is a large genus of aquatic leaf beetles in the subfamily Donaciinae. Adults are active, capable of sustained flight, and possess adaptations for both aerial and submerged existence. The genus is distinguished by a truncate elytral apex and a pubescent area above the procoxa. Larvae develop on submerged portions of aquatic plants, while adults inhabit surface parts of the same host vegetation. The genus contains approximately 113 described species arranged into 15 proposed subgenera, with major radiations in the Nearctic and Palaearctic regions.
Donacia caerulea
Donacia caerulea is an aquatic leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Donaciinae. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Canadian provinces including Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Ontario. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with freshwater aquatic habitats where its larvae develop on submerged vegetation.
Donacia confluenta
Confluent reed beetle
Donacia confluenta is a North American leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the confluent reed beetle. The species is distributed across much of Canada and the northern United States, with records from Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. As a member of the subfamily Donaciinae, it is associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats and likely feeds on aquatic vegetation.
Donacia distincta
Donacia distincta is an aquatic leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by LeConte in 1851. The species is known from North America, with records from Canada including Alberta, British Columbia, and Labrador. As a member of the subfamily Donaciinae, it shares the characteristic aquatic or semi-aquatic lifestyle of its genus.
Donacia edentata
Toothless pond lily leaf beetle
Donacia edentata is an aquatic leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Schaeffer in 1919. The common name "toothless pond lily leaf beetle" refers to its edentate (toothless) condition and association with aquatic plants in the Nymphaeaceae family. Like other members of genus Donacia, it is adapted to life in freshwater habitats with submerged vegetation.
Donacia liebecki
Donacia liebecki is an aquatic leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Schaeffer in 1919. The species is known from North America, with records from Saskatchewan, Canada. As a member of the subfamily Donaciinae, it is adapted to aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. Specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Donacia magnifica
magnificent aquatic leaf beetle, Magnificent pondweed beetle
Donacia magnifica is an aquatic leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by LeConte in 1851. It is native to North America, with records from Canada and the northern United States. The species is closely associated with pondweeds (Potamogeton spp.), on whose leaves adults feed. Like other members of the genus Donacia, it is adapted to an aquatic lifestyle.
Donacia militaris
Well-armed pond lily beetle
Donacia militaris is an aquatic leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to the eastern United States. Like other members of the genus Donacia, it is associated with aquatic vegetation. The common name "Well-armed pond lily beetle" reflects both its aquatic habitat and the species epithet.
Donacia palmata
Palm-footed pond lily leaf beetle
Donacia palmata is an aquatic leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America, with distribution records from Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario) and the broader North American continent. As a member of the subfamily Donaciinae, it is associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The species is commonly known as the Palm-footed pond lily leaf beetle.
Donacia piscatrix
Donacia cf. piscatrix is a reed beetle in the subfamily Donaciinae, recorded from Northern Ireland during 2023 coastal habitat surveys. The genus Donacia comprises aquatic leaf beetles associated with emergent vegetation in freshwater and brackish habitats. The specific epithet 'piscatrix' refers to the species' association with water, from Latin 'piscator' meaning fisher. The 'cf.' designation indicates probable but unconfirmed identification, reflecting the taxonomic challenges within this genus.
Donacia pubescens
Pubescent sedge beetle
Donacia pubescens is an aquatic leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by LeConte in 1868. It is found across North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba) and the United States. Like other members of the genus Donacia, it is associated with aquatic habitats and is likely a specialist on aquatic plants.
Donacia subtilis
Donacia subtilis is a leaf beetle in the subfamily Donaciinae, commonly known as the aquatic leaf beetles. Species in this genus are associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats, typically feeding on submerged or emergent aquatic vegetation. Adults are often found on the leaves of host plants, while larvae develop in the roots and stems of aquatic plants. The species has been recorded across much of northern North America.
Donacia tuberculata
Tuberculate reed beetle
Donacia tuberculata is a species of aquatic leaf beetle in the subfamily Donaciinae. It occurs in North America and is associated with aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats. Like other members of its genus, it is linked to wetland vegetation and has aquatic larvae that develop on submerged plant roots.
Donacia tuberculifrons
Tubercle-faced reed beetle
Donacia tuberculifrons is a North American reed beetle in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae. It is one of numerous Donacia species associated with aquatic and semi-aquatic vegetation. The species is recognized by distinctive tuberculate projections on the frons. Records indicate presence in western and central Canada, with limited observational data available.
Donaciinae
Aquatic Leaf Beetles, Reed Beetles
Donaciinae is a subfamily of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) comprising approximately 100 species across six genera, including Donacia, Macroplea, and Plateumaris. Members are strongly associated with aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats, with larvae developing underwater attached to plant roots. The subfamily is characterized by distinctive morphological adaptations and an obligate symbiosis with bacteria that produce the silk-like material used to construct waterproof pupal cocoons. Donaciinae are primarily distributed in the Northern Hemisphere with extensions into Africa, Madagascar, and Australasia.
Dysphenges
Dysphenges is a genus of flea beetles (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini) established by Horn in 1894. The genus comprises four described species distributed in North America and Central America. Three species were described by Gilbert and Riley in 2002: D. penrosei, D. rileyi, and D. secretus. As members of the Alticini tribe, these beetles possess the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles, enabling their distinctive jumping locomotion.
Dysphenges rileyi
Dysphenges rileyi is a species of flea beetle (subfamily Galerucinae, tribe Alticini) in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae. The species was described in 2002 by Gilbert and Andrews. It occurs in Central America and North America.
Dysphenges secretus
Dysphenges secretus is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Gilbert and Riley in 2012. It was one of three new species of the genus Dysphenges described from the United States in a paper published in The Pan-Pacific Entomologist. The genus Dysphenges belongs to the tribe Alticini, a large group of leaf beetles known for their enlarged hind femora that enable jumping.
Entomoscelis americana
red turnip beetle
Entomoscelis americana is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the red turnip beetle. It is native to North America, primarily distributed between 45° and 68° north latitude within the Western Cordillera and Interior Plains physiographic regions. The species is associated with forest, forest-grassland, and grassland vegetation types. In 2020, it was synonymized with the Palearctic species Entomoscelis adonidis, though this relationship was historically disputed based on morphological differences in male genitalia.
Epitrix
Hairy Flea Beetles
Epitrix is a genus of flea beetles (Chrysomelidae: Alticini) containing 162 described species with worldwide distribution across all continents except Australia and Antarctica. Many species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of Solanaceae crops including potato, tomato, eggplant, and tobacco. Several species have been inadvertently introduced between continents, establishing populations in new regions and becoming subjects of quarantine concern.
Epitrix fasciata
banded epitrix, Southern Tobacco Flea Beetle
Epitrix fasciata is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. Commonly known as the banded epitrix or Southern Tobacco Flea Beetle, this species has a notably broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents. The species is associated with economically significant host plants including potato, tobacco, tomato, and eggplant.
Epitrix fuscula
eggplant flea beetle
Epitrix fuscula, commonly known as the eggplant flea beetle, is a flea beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae. It is recognized as a significant agricultural pest of eggplant (Solanum melongena) in North America. The species has been studied specifically in Arkansas production areas where it affects crop yields through feeding damage.
Epitrix humeralis
Epitrix humeralis is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Dury in 1906. It is a small leaf beetle distributed across North America, with confirmed records from Ontario, Canada. Like other members of the genus Epitrix, it likely feeds on Solanaceae plants, though specific host associations for this species remain poorly documented. The species is distinguished from congeners by subtle morphological features of the elytra and pronotum.