Chrysomelidae
Guides
Epitrix subcrinita
Western Potato Flea Beetle
Epitrix subcrinita, commonly known as the western potato flea beetle, is a flea beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae. It belongs to the tribe Alticini, characterized by enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The species occurs in Central and North America. It is one of approximately 28 Holarctic Epitrix species included in comprehensive taxonomic revisions.
Erepsocassis rubella
Erepsocassis rubella is a species of tortoise beetle (family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae) described by Boheman in 1862. As a member of the Cassidini tribe, it possesses the characteristic domed body shape that provides protection by allowing the beetle to clamp tightly against leaf surfaces. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal published information on its biology and ecology. It belongs to a genus containing few described species, most of which are associated with Neotropical and Nearctic regions.
Erynephala
beet leaf beetle
Erynephala is a genus of skeletonizing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, comprising six described species. The genus was established by Blake in 1936 and is distributed across North America and the Neotropics. The most well-known species, Erynephala puncticollis, is commonly called the beet leaf beetle and has been documented feeding on saline-tolerant plants in dry alkaline habitats.
Erynephala maritima
Erynephala maritima is a species of skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species has been recorded from coastal and near-coastal regions across a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean Sea, Central America, and North America. Specific locality records include Nova Scotia, Texas, Mexico, and Jamaica. As a member of the genus Erynephala, it belongs to a group of leaf beetles characterized by their skeletonizing feeding damage on host plants.
Erynephala puncticollis
beet leaf beetle
A skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, found in alkaline and dry lakebed habitats. Adults have been observed feeding on succulent foliage of salt-tolerant plants. The species occurs across Central America and North America, with records from the southwestern United States.
Erynephala texana
Erynephala texana is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The genus Erynephala belongs to the subfamily Galerucinae, which contains many herbivorous beetles commonly known as skeletonizing leaf beetles or flea beetles. This species has been documented in the southwestern United States, including Texas, consistent with its specific epithet. The genus is relatively small and poorly studied, with limited published information on its biology and ecology.
Eulepton
Eulepton is a genus of leaf beetles (family Chrysomelidae) established by Riley in 2019. The genus was erected relatively recently in coleopteran taxonomy, suggesting it may have been separated from a related genus based on morphological or genetic distinctions. As a member of Chrysomelidae, its species are herbivorous beetles. The genus appears to be poorly documented in public sources, with minimal observational records available.
Eusattodera pini
Eusattodera pini is a species of skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is a member of the flea beetle tribe Alticini, characterized by enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The species is native to North America and feeds on pine foliage.
Exema conspersa
warty leaf beetle
Exema conspersa is a species of warty leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The genus Exema belongs to the subfamily Cryptocephalinae, commonly known as warty leaf beetles or case-bearing leaf beetles, recognized for their distinctive sculptured body surfaces. The species is distributed across Central America and North America.
Exema deserti
Exema deserti is a species of warty leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Pierce in 1940. It belongs to the tribe Chlamisini, commonly known as warty leaf beetles, which are characterized by their remarkable mimicry of caterpillar frass. The species is found in Central America and North America.
Exema elliptica
warty leaf beetle
Exema elliptica is a species of warty leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Karren in 1966. It belongs to the tribe Chlamisini, commonly known as warty leaf beetles, which are characterized by their remarkable feces-mimicry defense. The species is found in North America, though specific details about its biology and host associations remain poorly documented.
Exema neglecta
warty leaf beetle
Exema neglecta is a species of warty leaf beetle in the tribe Chlamisini, subfamily Cryptocephalinae. Adults are small, measuring approximately 2–3 mm in length. The species exhibits remarkable frass-mimicry, resembling caterpillar droppings in size, shape, texture, and coloration. When disturbed, the beetle retracts its head, legs, and antennae into precisely matched grooves, completing the illusion of inanimate debris. This species is found in North America.
Floridocassis
Floridocassis is a genus of tortoise beetles (family Chrysomelidae) containing a single described species, F. repudiata. The genus was established by Spaeth in 1952. Tortoise beetles in this subfamily (Cassidinae) are characterized by a shield-like body form and the ability to clamp their elytra tightly against the substrate. The genus name suggests a Florida association, though specific distribution details for the genus remain limited in published sources.
Galeruca externa
Galeruca externa is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1824. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Ontario, Canada and the United States. As a member of the genus Galeruca, it belongs to a group of beetles commonly known as toadflax beetles or related leaf-feeding chrysomelids. Very little specific ecological or biological information has been published for this particular species.
Galeruca rudis
Galeruca rudis is a skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is distributed across western North America, from California and New Mexico north to Yukon and British Columbia. It has been recorded in association with various lupine species (Lupinus spp.), which serve as host plants. The species was first described by LeConte in 1857.
Galerucella
leaf beetles
Galerucella is a genus of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) described by Crotch in 1873. The genus is widely distributed globally but absent from the Neotropics. Several species have been extensively studied for biological control applications, particularly against invasive aquatic plants such as purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and waterlilies. The genus has become a model system for ecological and evolutionary research, with genome assemblies available for three species (G. calmariensis, G. pusilla, and G. tenella).
Gastrophysa
dock leaf beetles, knotweed leaf beetles
Gastrophysa is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, distinguished by pronounced physogastrism in females—swollen, membranous abdomens resulting from enlarged reproductive organs. The genus includes approximately nine described species, with G. viridula and G. polygoni being the most extensively studied. Members are oligophagous specialists on Polygonaceae, serving as both beneficial biological control agents for weeds and occasional minor pests of cultivated buckwheat. Several species have been introduced to North America and other regions, where they have established widespread populations.
Gastrophysa cyanea
green dock beetle, blue dock beetle
Gastrophysa cyanea is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, measuring 4-5 mm with metallic green coloration that may shift to metallic blue in pinned specimens. The species is found across North America and is strongly associated with dock plants (Rumex species), particularly curly dock. Females develop conspicuously swollen abdomens prior to egg laying, providing a reliable diagnostic feature. The species emerges in spring and has been the subject of behavioral studies examining host plant recognition.
Gastrophysa dissimilis
Gastrophysa dissimilis is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1824. It is distributed across North America, with confirmed records from Canada including Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories. The genus Gastrophysa comprises leaf beetles primarily associated with Polygonaceae host plants, though species-specific ecological details for G. dissimilis remain poorly documented.
Gastrophysa formosa
Gastrophysa formosa is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It occurs in North America, with distribution records from Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan) and presumably the United States. The genus Gastrophysa includes several species associated with Polygonaceae host plants. Beyond basic taxonomic placement and geographic range, specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Gastrophysa polygoni
Knotweed Leaf Beetle
Gastrophysa polygoni is a small leaf beetle in the subfamily Chrysomelinae, described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. Adults reach approximately 5 mm in length and display distinctive coloration: metallic green wing cases (elytra), green-blue body, and orange thorax. The species is native to Europe and has become established in North America, where it was introduced early in colonial settlement. It feeds primarily on Polygonaceae plants, serving as a beneficial biological control agent for weeds such as knotweeds and docks, though it occasionally damages cultivated buckwheat. The beetle exhibits complex reproductive behaviors including olfactory examination of airspace, track marking by females, and post-copulatory cleaning rituals.
Glyptina
Glyptina is a genus of flea beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Horn in 1881. The genus contains approximately 15 described species. Flea beetles in this group are characterized by their jumping ability, enabled by enlarged hind femora. Glyptina species are herbivorous and associated with various host plants.
Glyptina cyanipennis
Glyptina cyanipennis is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Crotch in 1873. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from Ontario, Canada. As a member of the subfamily Alticinae, it possesses the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles, which enable jumping locomotion. The species epithet 'cyanipennis' refers to blue-colored wings.
Glyptina nivalis
Glyptina nivalis is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by George Henry Horn in 1889. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of the flea beetle subfamily Alticinae (tribe Alticini), it possesses enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping.
Glyptina spuria
Glyptina spuria is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by LeConte in 1859. It belongs to a genus of small leaf beetles characterized by enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The species has been recorded from central and eastern Canada.
Glyptina texana
Glyptina texana is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is known from North America. As a member of the subfamily Alticinae, it possesses the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles, which enable jumping locomotion.
Glyptoscelis
Glyptoscelis is a genus of leaf beetles in the subfamily Eumolpinae, tribe Eumolpini. The genus contains 38 described species distributed across North, Central, and South America. One species, Glyptoscelis squamulata, is a documented agricultural pest of grape vines in southern California. The genus was historically classified in tribe Adoxini but has been reassigned to Eumolpini based on current taxonomy.
Glyptoscelis alternata
Glyptoscelis alternata is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Crotch in 1873. The species is native to the western United States. As a member of the genus Glyptoscelis, it belongs to a group of leaf beetles whose members are generally associated with vegetation.
Glyptoscelis cryptica
Glyptoscelis cryptica is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1824. It is known from the central United States. Information regarding its biology, host plants, and ecology remains poorly documented in available sources.
Gonioctena americana
American Aspen Beetle
Gonioctena americana is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the American aspen beetle. It is native to North America and has been documented in Canada, including Alberta, British Columbia, and Labrador. As a member of the genus Gonioctena, it is associated with woody host plants, though specific ecological details remain limited in published literature.
Gonioctena notmani
Gonioctena notmani is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Schaeffer in 1924. It is a small beetle with limited available documentation. The species is recorded from scattered localities in North America including western Canada and Labrador.
Graphops cavani
Graphops cavani is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The genus Graphops contains species commonly known as flea beetles or leaf beetles, many of which are associated with specific host plants. Very little published information exists specifically for G. cavani, with only two observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the source date. The species appears to be rarely encountered or underreported.
Graphops comosa
Monahans sandhill chrysomelid, long-haired graphops, Monahans Graphops
Graphops comosa is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, endemic to the sandhills region of the southwestern United States. The species is distinguished by its exceptionally dense covering of coarse white hairs, the heaviest pubescence of any member of its genus. The specific epithet "comosa" is Latin for "with long hair," directly referencing this diagnostic feature. The beetle's restricted distribution and distinctive appearance make it a notable component of the specialized sandhill fauna of the region.
Graphops curtipennis
Graphops curtipennis is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is distributed across North America. The species was described by F.E. Melsheimer in 1847. Phortus creticus, originally reported from Crete, was synonymized with this species by Daccordi in 1977 and is not actually found on that island. Two subspecies are recognized: G. c. curtipennis and G. c. schwarzi.
Graphops exilis
Graphops exilis is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Blake in 1955. The genus Graphops belongs to the diverse leaf beetle family, whose members are primarily associated with feeding on plant foliage. This species is part of the North American fauna, though specific details about its biology remain limited.
Graphops floridana
Graphops floridana is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Blake in 1955. The species is known from Florida, with records indicating presence in North America. Very little published information exists regarding its biology, ecology, or conservation status. The genus Graphops belongs to the leaf beetle family, though specific details about this particular species remain sparse in the scientific literature.
Graphops simplex
Graphops simplex is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1884. It is native to North America. As a member of the leaf beetle family, it likely feeds on plant foliage, though specific host plants have not been documented in the available sources.
Graphops tenuis
Graphops tenuis is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Blake in 1955. The genus Graphops belongs to the subfamily Eumolpinae, a group of leaf beetles commonly known as eumolpines or oval leaf beetles. Little specific biological information is documented for this particular species. The genus name has been subject to taxonomic confusion, with some sources historically conflating it with Paragrilus, a genus of jewel beetles (Buprestidae), but these are unrelated taxa in different families.
Graphops varians
Graphops varians is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by LeConte in 1884. The species is known from North America, with records from the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Manitoba. Like other members of the genus Graphops, it belongs to the diverse leaf beetle fauna of the region. Specific details regarding its biology, host plants, and ecology remain poorly documented in available literature.
Gratiana boliviana
Tropical Soda Apple Leaf Beetle, TSA tortoise beetle
Gratiana boliviana is a tortoise beetle (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) native to South America that was introduced to Florida in 2003 as the first biological control agent against tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum), a prickly invasive shrub. The beetle is highly host-specific and has established successfully in Florida, reducing weed density and fruit production through defoliation. Over 250,000 beetles were released across Florida from 2003 to 2011. The beetle cannot complete development on native North American Solanum species or crop plants like eggplant, making it a relatively safe biocontrol choice. Cold sensitivity limits its northward establishment potential.
Griburius
case-bearing leaf beetles
Griburius is a genus of case-bearing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cryptocephalinae. The genus contains approximately six described species in the United States, with additional species distributed throughout the Neotropical Region. A 2022 taxonomic revision revised nine species in the G. posticatus species group, transferred one species from Metallactus, proposed multiple synonymies, and described two new Brazilian species. Members of this genus are characterized by their case-bearing habit, where larvae construct protective cases from fecal material and shed skins.
Griburius lecontii
Red-vested Griburius
Griburius lecontii is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America, with records extending to British Columbia, Canada. The species is one of approximately 99 observed taxa in the genus on iNaturalist. Like other members of the case-bearing leaf beetle group, it likely exhibits the characteristic behavior of constructing protective cases from fecal material and shed exuviae.
Griburius montezuma
Montezuma Griburius
Griburius montezuma is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. It has been documented at ultraviolet and mercury-vapor light traps in montane oak-pine woodland habitats in southeastern Arizona.
Griburius rileyi
Bold-spotted Griburius
Griburius rileyi is a recently described species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cryptocephalinae. The species was described by Sassi in 2023 and is distinguished by bold spotted patterns on its elytra. Like other members of the genus Griburius, adults are associated with oak woodlands and are attracted to ultraviolet light sources. The specific epithet honors Edward Riley, a prominent coleopterist and indefatigable collector of beetles, particularly known for his contributions to cerambycid and chrysomelid taxonomy.
Helocassis clavata
Clavate Tortoise Beetle
Helocassis clavata, commonly known as the Clavate Tortoise Beetle, is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It belongs to the tortoise beetle subfamily Cassidinae, characterized by a domed, turtle-like carapace formed from modified elytra and pronotum. The species is found in North and Middle America. Like other tortoise beetles, it exhibits distinctive defensive and parental behaviors.
Hemiglyptus basalis
Hemiglyptus basalis is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, native to North America. The species was first described by Crotch in 1874. As a member of the leaf beetle family, it is likely associated with herbaceous vegetation, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The genus Hemiglyptus is a small group within the diverse Chrysomelidae, with limited published information on its biology.
Hemiphrynus
Hemiphrynus is a genus of flea beetles (family Chrysomelidae) comprising 8 described species distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. The genus was established by Horn in 1889. Species within this genus exhibit the characteristic enlarged hind femora that enable flea beetles to jump when disturbed.
Hemiphrynus intermedius
A leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Jacoby in 1884. The species occurs in North and Middle America, with 9 observations recorded on iNaturalist. Very little is known about its biology, ecology, or specific habitat requirements. The genus Hemiphrynus is not well-studied, and no detailed species-level information has been published for H. intermedius.
Hemisphaerota
Hemisphaerota is a genus of tortoise beetles in the subfamily Cassidinae, containing approximately 10 described species distributed across the circum-Caribbean region. The genus is characterized by hemispherical body shape and specialized tarsal structures for adhesion to host plant surfaces. The best-studied species, H. cyanea (palmetto tortoise beetle), exhibits remarkable defensive adaptations including adhesive tarsal pads that secrete oil when threatened, and larvae that construct protective fecal thatches.
Heptispa brevicornis
Heptispa brevicornis is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The genus Heptispa is part of the diverse leaf beetle fauna, though specific ecological and biological details for H. brevicornis remain poorly documented. The species epithet 'brevicornis' refers to short antennae.