Chrysomelidae
Guides
Luperini
Luperini is a tribe of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) within the large subfamily Galerucinae, containing approximately 5800 species. The tribe includes economically significant genera such as Diabrotica, Acalymma, and Aulacophora, many of which are associated with cucurbit host plants. Members exhibit specialized chemical ecology involving detection of cucurbitacins, bitter triterpenoid compounds that serve as kairomones for host location.
Luperosoma parallelum
Luperosoma parallelum is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, measuring 4.3–5.2 mm as an adult. The species is characterized by a reddish brown head and dark elytra with pale margins. It is known from a limited distribution in the south-central United States.
Lupraea
Lupraea is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, established by Martin Jacoby in 1885. The genus belongs to the diverse beetle family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as leaf beetles, which are primarily herbivorous. Information regarding the constituent species, biology, and distribution of Lupraea remains poorly documented in available literature.
Lysathia
Lysathia is a genus of flea beetles (Chrysomelidae: Alticini) containing approximately 10 described species distributed in North America and the Neotropics. Several species have been investigated or deployed as biological control agents for invasive aquatic plants, including Ludwigia grandiflora subsp. hexapetala and Myriophyllum aquaticum. The genus exhibits morphological variation that has complicated taxonomic resolution, with integrative approaches combining genetics and morphology used to clarify species boundaries.
Malacorhinus
Malacorhinus is a genus of skeletonizing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, established by Jacoby in 1887. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed across North America and the Neotropics. One species, Malacorhinus irregularis, was introduced to Northern Territory, Australia in 2000 as a biological control agent against the invasive weed Mimosa pigra.
Mantura chrysanthemi
Mantura chrysanthemi is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Koch in 1803. It is widely distributed across the Palearctic region, including Western Europe, Turkey, and North Africa. The species has also been introduced to North America.
Mantura floridana
Mantura floridana is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Crotch in 1873. The species is found in North America, with larvae that are leaf miners feeding on Fallopia scandens. Larvae appear yellow through the leaf epidermis due to their leaf-mining habit.
Margaridisa
Margaridisa is a genus of flea beetles (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae) comprising at least 16 described species. The genus was established by Jan Bechyné in 1958. Species are distributed primarily in the Neotropical region, with records from Central and South America. Many species were described by Bechyné and his collaborators between the 1950s and 1990s.
Megacerus impiger
Megacerus impiger is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The genus Megacerus belongs to the subfamily Bruchinae, commonly known as seed beetles, though this species' specific biology remains poorly documented.
Megalostomis pyropyga
Megalostomis pyropyga is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in Central America and North America. The species was described by Lacordaire in 1848. As a member of the case-bearing leaf beetles, it likely constructs protective cases from its own fecal material, a characteristic trait of its subfamily Cryptocephalinae.
Meibomeus musculus
Meibomeus musculus is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1831. It is native to North America with confirmed records from Canada (New Brunswick, Ontario, and Québec) and the United States. As a member of the leaf beetle family, it is associated with vegetation, though specific host plant relationships remain undocumented. The species is represented by 54 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is encountered with some regularity by naturalists.
Merobruchus insolitus
White Dart Bruchid
Merobruchus insolitus is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Sharp in 1885. It is distributed across Central America and North America. The species is commonly known as the White Dart Bruchid. As a member of the genus Merobruchus, it belongs to a group of seed beetles typically associated with leguminous host plants.
Metachroma angusticolle
Metachroma angusticolle is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by Blake in 1973. The species has a restricted distribution in the United States, with confirmed records only from Illinois and Indiana. As a member of the genus Metachroma, it belongs to a group of leaf beetles commonly known as 'metallic wood-boring beetles' or associated with leaf feeding habits, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Metachroma floridanum
Metachroma floridanum is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to the southeastern United States, with records spanning from Florida to North Carolina. The species was described by Crotch in 1873. As a member of the genus Metachroma, it belongs to a group of small leaf beetles whose biology remains poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Metachroma interruptum
Metachroma interruptum is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is known from scattered records across the central and eastern United States, with a notably broad geographic range spanning from Texas to Florida and north to Indiana and Utah. Adults measure 4.4–6.0 mm in length. Very few observations exist in public databases, suggesting it may be underreported or genuinely uncommon.
Metachroma longulum
Metachroma longulum is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Horn in 1892. It is a member of the genus Metachroma, which comprises small to medium-sized leaf beetles found primarily in North America. The species has been recorded in the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Like other members of its family, it is associated with vegetation, though specific host plants and ecological details remain poorly documented.
Metachroma quercatum
Orange-shouldered Metachroma
Metachroma quercatum is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, measuring 3.2–4.2 mm in length. The species is distributed across the eastern United States from Texas to Florida and north to New York and Kansas. Its specific epithet references Quercus (oak), indicating an association with oak as a host plant.
Metachroma ustum
Burnt Metachroma
Metachroma ustum is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1858. It ranges from 4.8 to 7.0 mm in body length. The species occurs in both Central America and North America, with limited observational records available.
Metachroma viticola
Metachroma viticola is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, measuring 4.0–5.8 mm in length. The species was described by Linell in 1898 and is named for its association with grapevines. It is known from the Gulf Coast region of the United States and Mexico.
Metaparia clytroides
Metaparia clytroides is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The genus Metaparia was established to accommodate species previously placed in Spintherophyta and related genera, with taxonomic revisions moving several Central American species. This species is documented from the south-central United States.
Metaparia opacicollis
Metaparia opacicollis is a small leaf beetle in the subfamily Eumolpinae. The species was originally described as Chrysodina opacicollis by Lefèvre in 1885 and later transferred to the genus Metaparia. It has been recorded from Argentina, specifically in the province of Corrientes. The genus Metaparia contains species formerly classified under Chrysodina and related genera.
Metrioidea convexa
Metrioidea convexa is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, tribe Alticini. The species was described by Blake in 1942 and is recorded from North America. As a member of the genus Metrioidea, it belongs to a group of small leaf beetles characterized by enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The specific epithet 'convexa' refers to the convex body shape typical of this species.
Metrionella
Metrionella is a genus of tortoise beetles (Cassidinae) in the family Chrysomelidae, established by Spaeth in 1932. The genus comprises approximately 12 described species. As members of the tortoise beetle subfamily, these beetles are characterized by a distinctive shield-like body form with the elytra and pronotum expanded to cover the legs and antennae when at rest.
Microrhopala rileyi
Microrhopala rileyi is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae. Adults measure 4.1–5.5 mm (males) and 5.2–5.8 mm (females). The species exhibits sexual size dimorphism with females being larger. It is known from five U.S. states in the south-central region.
Microrhopala rubrolineata militaris
Microrhopala rubrolineata militaris is a subspecies of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae. The genus Microrhopala comprises small hispine leaf beetles characterized by clubbed antennae. Species in this genus are host-specific herbivores, with adults feeding on foliage and larvae mining within leaves. The specific epithet "rubrolineata" (red-lined) and subspecific name "militaris" suggest distinctive coloration, though detailed distinguishing features from nominate M. rubrolineata are not documented in available sources.
Microrhopala rubrolineata signaticollis
Microrhopala rubrolineata signaticollis is a subspecies of hispine leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by J.L. LeConte in 1859. The genus Microrhopala comprises small leaf beetles with clubbed antennae, with several species occurring in North America. Members of this genus are herbivorous specialists typically associated with particular host plants in the Asteraceae family. This subspecies is part of the broader M. rubrolineata species complex distributed across North and Middle America.
Microrhopala vittata
goldenrod leaf miner, goldenrod leafminer
Microrhopala vittata is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the goldenrod leaf miner. Adults are 5–6 mm in length and exhibit variable coloration from red to black with distinctive lighter vittae (stripes) on the elytra. The species is highly specialized on goldenrods (Solidago spp.) and flat-topped goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia), with larvae mining between leaf surfaces and adults feeding on upper leaves. Ecological studies have demonstrated its potential as a keystone species in old field communities, where outbreak populations can dramatically reduce tall goldenrod dominance and alter plant community composition for multiple years.
Microtheca
leaf beetles
Microtheca is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Chrysomelinae. The genus contains several economically important agricultural pests, particularly of Brassicaceae crops. The most extensively studied species include M. ochroloma (yellowmargined leaf beetle) and M. punctigera, both of which are oligophagous specialists on cruciferous plants. These beetles are native to the Neotropics but have become significant pests in organic agriculture systems where synthetic insecticides are restricted.
Microtheca ochroloma
Yellow-margined Leaf Beetle, Yellowmargined Leaf Beetle
Microtheca ochroloma is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, native to South America and adventive in North America. It is a significant agricultural pest of cruciferous crops, with documented populations in the southeastern United States. Development from egg to adult takes approximately 17–57 days depending on temperature, with optimal survival around 20–25°C. The species exhibits strong host preferences, favoring turnip and mustard while showing least preference for collard and cabbage.
Mimosestes protractus
Mimosestes protractus is a species of leaf beetle first described by Horn in 1873. It belongs to the family Chrysomelidae, a diverse group of herbivorous beetles commonly known as leaf beetles. The species has been documented in both North America and Central America.
Mimosestes ulkei
retama weevil
Mimosestes ulkei, commonly known as the retama weevil, is a seed beetle in the family Chrysomelidae (subfamily Bruchinae). The species was originally described by Horn in 1873 as Bruchus ulkei and later transferred to the genus Mimosestes. It is distributed across Central America and North America. Like other members of the Bruchinae, this species is associated with leguminous host plants.
Miraces aeneipennis
Bronze-winged Buckthorn Leaf Beetle
Miraces aeneipennis is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was first described by Jacoby in 1888. The species occurs in Central America and North America. The specific epithet aeneipennis refers to the bronze-colored wings. Very little detailed information is available about its biology or ecology.
Miraces placida
Miraces placida is a species of skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species was described by Horn in 1893 and is known to occur in North America. As a skeletonizing leaf beetle, it likely feeds by consuming leaf tissue between the veins, leaving a characteristic lace-like pattern.
Monoaster fulgidus
Monoaster fulgidus is a skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, a group known for feeding on leaf tissue between veins. The species is documented from Texas in North America. Very little published information exists regarding its biology, ecology, or specific host associations.
Monocesta
larger elm leaf beetle
Monocesta is a genus of skeletonizing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae. The genus contains at least three described species, with Monocesta coryli being the most well-known and commonly encountered in eastern North America. These beetles are characterized by their feeding behavior that removes soft leaf tissue between veins, creating a distinctive skeletonized appearance on host leaves. The genus is primarily associated with elm trees and related woodland vegetation.
Monomacra
Monomacra is a genus of flea beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, tribe Alticini. The genus comprises approximately 17 to 120 described species, with sources varying on the exact number. Species are distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, including North America, Central America, and tropical South America. As members of the Alticini, they possess the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles, enabling jumping locomotion.
Monoxia
Monoxia is a genus of skeletonizing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Galerucinae. The genus contains approximately 16-18 described species distributed in North America and the Neotropics. At least one species, Monoxia obesula, has become invasive in Europe and North Africa. Members of this genus are associated with host plants in the family Amaranthaceae, particularly Atriplex and Chenopodium species.
Monoxia andrewsi
Monoxia andrewsi is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, tribe Alticini. The genus Monoxia comprises flea beetles characterized by their jumping ability enabled by enlarged hind femora. Species in this genus are associated with various host plants, though specific host relationships for M. andrewsi remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Monoxia angularis
angular flea beetle
Monoxia angularis, commonly known as the angular flea beetle, is a species of skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America, with records from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada, and from Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, North Dakota, and Kentucky in the United States. As a member of the tribe Alticini, it possesses the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles, enabling jumping locomotion.
Myochrous
Myochrous is a genus of leaf beetles in the subfamily Eumolpinae, containing over 50 described species distributed across North, Central, and South America. The generic name derives from Ancient Greek words meaning 'mouse' and 'color'. Several species are agricultural pests, including Myochrous denticollis (southern corn leaf beetle), Myochrous melancholicus (banana pest), and Myochrous armatus (emerging soybean pest in Brazil). The genus was formerly placed in tribe Adoxini but is now classified in Eumolpini.
Myochrous magnus
Myochrous magnus is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by American entomologist Charles Frederic August Schaeffer in 1904. The species occurs in Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Myochrous, it belongs to a group of leaf beetles whose biology and ecology remain poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Neltumius arizonensis
Black and White Black Variegated Bruchid
Neltumius arizonensis is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, specifically placed in the seed beetle subfamily Bruchinae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Despite its specific epithet suggesting an Arizona connection, detailed ecological and biological information remains sparse in published literature.
Neltumius texanus
Snakewood Bruchid
Neltumius texanus is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, found in Central America and North America. It is commonly known as the Snakewood Bruchid. The genus Neltumius was previously placed in the family Bruchidae (seed beetles) before that family was subsumed into Chrysomelidae. The specific epithet "texanus" indicates a connection to Texas, though the precise nature of this association (type locality or broader distribution) is not detailed in available sources. The species is represented by relatively few observations, with only 6 records documented on iNaturalist.
Neobrotica
Neobrotica is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Jacoby in 1887. The genus contains approximately 60 described species distributed across the Americas, from the southern United States through Central America to northern South America. Most species were described in the late 19th and mid-20th centuries, with significant contributions by Jacoby, Blake, and Bechyné. The genus is characterized by species with distinctive color patterns, often featuring maculations or fasciae on the elytra.
Neochlamisus chamaedaphnes
Neochlamisus chamaedaphnes is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the tribe Chlamisini, commonly known as warty leaf beetles. Members of this genus are renowned for their remarkable frass-mimicry crypsis—when disturbed, they retract their head, legs, and antennae into precisely matched grooves, becoming nearly indistinguishable from caterpillar droppings. The species epithet references its association with leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), a bog plant in the Ericaceae family. This species occurs in eastern Canada and presumably adjacent northeastern United States.
Neochlamisus eubati
Blackberry Case-bearing Leaf Beetle, warty leaf beetle
Neochlamisus eubati is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the tribe Chlamisini, commonly known as warty leaf beetles. Adults are small beetles, typically 3–4 mm in length, with a compact body form adapted for crypsis. The species is known from Central America and North America, with records extending into Alberta, Canada. Like other members of the genus, larvae construct protective cases from fecal material and exuviae.
Neochlamisus platani
sycamore leaf beetle
Neochlamisus platani, commonly known as the sycamore leaf beetle, is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. Adults are bronze to brown in color with a rough, bumpy exoskeleton that provides camouflage against bark and debris. The species is tightly associated with its host plant, the American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), where it feeds, mates, and oviposits. Both adults and larvae consume sycamore foliage, and heavy infestations can reduce foliage mass and damage ornamental value.
Neochlamisus scabripennis
warty leaf beetle
Neochlamisus scabripennis is a species of warty leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It belongs to the tribe Chlamisini, commonly known as warty leaf beetles due to their distinctive irregular, tuberculate body surface. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus, it exhibits remarkable mimicry of caterpillar frass (feces) as a defensive adaptation.
Neocrepidodera
Neocrepidodera is a genus of flea beetles (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini) containing approximately 100 described species distributed worldwide. Species occur primarily in the Western Palearctic, with many restricted to medium and high elevation mountain ecosystems. Adults are typically small, often exhibiting metallic or rusty coloration, and possess the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles that enable jumping. Several species have become established outside their native ranges, including N. ferruginea in North America.
Neocrepidodera ferruginea
European rusted flea beetle, Altise ferrugineuse européenne
Neocrepidodera ferruginea is a flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, native to Europe and introduced to North America. Adults are brown in color and feed on a variety of herbaceous plants, particularly grasses and composites. The species inhabits meadows and grasslands, and has been recorded from numerous host plants including Poaceae, Asteraceae, and various weeds. Larvae develop within roots and central stems of host plants. In North America, it was first documented in Ontario and Québec in the 1970s and has since spread northeastward, where it is considered a potential agricultural pest.