Leaf-beetle
Guides
Brucita
Brucita is a genus of skeletonizing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, established by Wilcox in 1965. The genus contains a single described species, Brucita marmorata. These beetles are known from limited localities in Texas (USA) and Guatemala.
Brucita marmorata
Marbled Palm Forest Leaf Beetle
Brucita marmorata is the sole described species in the genus Brucita, a group of skeletonizing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is known from Texas in the United States and Guatemala in Central America. The common name "Marbled Palm Forest Leaf Beetle" suggests association with palm forest habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Cadiz
Cadiz is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, established by Andrews and Gilbert in 1992. The genus is distinguished by its placement within the diverse leaf beetle family, which contains numerous species associated with herbivory on vascular plants. Information regarding the specific morphology, species diversity, and ecological preferences of Cadiz remains limited in available literature.
Calligrapha alni
Russet Alder Leaf Beetle
Calligrapha alni, the russet alder leaf beetle, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae found in North America. The common name indicates an association with alder (Alnus spp.), though specific host plant details are limited in available sources. Like other members of the genus Calligrapha, it likely exhibits high host specificity, a trait characteristic of this northeastern North American genus.
Calligrapha amator
Ontario Calligrapha
Calligrapha amator, commonly known as the Ontario Calligrapha, is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by W.J. Brown in 1945. The species is found in North America, with confirmed records from Ontario and Québec in Canada.
Calligrapha apicalis
Calligrapha apicalis is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Notman in 1919. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Ontario and Québec in Canada. Like other members of the genus Calligrapha, it likely exhibits the characteristic dome-like body shape and patterned elytra typical of this group.
Calligrapha diversa
Calligrapha diversa is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Carl Stål in 1859. It belongs to the C. argus species group, characterized by distinctive elytral patterning including a single spot enclosed by humeral lunule and a complete arcuate band laterally confluent with a subsutural stripe. The species has one of the largest geographic ranges in its group, extending from the southwestern United States through Central America to northern South America. It has been recorded feeding on plants in the families Malvaceae and Solanaceae.
Calligrapha dolosa
Calligrapha dolosa is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by W.J. Brown in 1945. It belongs to a genus known for highly host-specific feeding relationships with particular plant genera. The species is recorded from eastern Canada, specifically Ontario and Québec. Like other members of Calligrapha, it likely exhibits the genus-characteristic dome-shaped body and patterned elytra, though specific diagnostic features for this species remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Calligrapha floridana
Calligrapha floridana is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Schaeffer in 1934. The species is found in North America. Like other members of the genus Calligrapha, it likely exhibits the characteristic dome-shaped body and distinctive elytral patterning for which the genus is named. Information specific to this species is limited.
Calligrapha fulvipes
Calligrapha fulvipes is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Stål in 1859. The genus Calligrapha is characterized by dome-like body shape and distinctive coloration patterns of black with white or red markings. Species within this genus are among the most host-specific phytophagous beetles, with most species relying on a single plant genus as host. The specific host associations and detailed biology of C. fulvipes are not well documented in available sources.
Calligrapha knabi
Calligrapha knabi is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Brown in 1940. The species is known from North America, with distribution records from the Canadian provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, and Québec. Like other members of the genus Calligrapha, it exhibits the characteristic dome-like body shape and patterned elytra typical of this group of leaf beetles. Information on specific host plants, appearance details, and life history for this particular species remains limited in available sources.
Calligrapha lunata
Moon-marked Leaf Beetle
Calligrapha lunata, commonly known as the moon-marked leaf beetle, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is found in North America, with records from multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. As a member of the genus Calligrapha, it likely exhibits the dome-shaped body form and distinctive elytral patterning characteristic of this group.
Calligrapha multipunctata
common willow calligrapha, Common Willow Calligrapher Beetle
Calligrapha multipunctata is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the common willow calligrapha. The species is native to North America and is associated with willow (Salix) as a host plant. Like other members of the genus Calligrapha, it exhibits distinctive elytral patterning. Three subspecies have been described, though one (C. m. suturella) may represent a separate species.
Calligrapha philadelphica
Dogwood Leaf Beetle, dogwood calligrapha
Calligrapha philadelphica is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is known by the common names dogwood leaf beetle and dogwood calligrapha. The species is found in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of the genus Calligrapha, it is associated with dogwood (Cornus spp.) as its host plant.
Calligrapha pnirsa
leaf beetle
Calligrapha pnirsa is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, found in North America. It is a univoltine species with adults emerging in spring to feed, mate, and oviposit on host plant foliage. Larvae develop through multiple instars feeding on leaves before dropping to the soil to pupate. New adults emerge in late summer, feed briefly, and overwinter to complete the annual cycle. Like other members of the genus Calligrapha, it exhibits strong host plant specificity.
Calligrapha praecelsis
Calligrapha praecelsis is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Rogers in 1856. It belongs to the genus Calligrapha, a group known for their distinctive, often ornate elytral markings. The species is found in North America, with records from Manitoba, Canada. Very few observations of this species have been documented.
Calligrapha pruni
Calligrapha pruni is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, described by W.J. Brown in 1945. It is found in North America, with records from Ontario and Québec in Canada. Like other members of the genus Calligrapha, it is likely a host specialist, though specific host plant associations for this species are not documented in the provided sources.
Calligrapha rhoda
Calligrapha rhoda is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, occurring in North America. It is part of a genus known for extreme host specificity, with most species feeding on a single plant genus. This species closely resembles Calligrapha spiraeae and Calligrapha rowena in appearance, but is distinguished by its association with hazel (Corylus spp.) rather than ninebark or dogwood. Like other Calligrapha species, it exhibits reddish coloration with small black spots on the elytra.
Calligrapha rowena
Rowena's Leaf Beetle
Calligrapha rowena is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, found in North America. It is one of approximately 38 species in the genus Calligrapha, a group characterized by dome-like body shape and distinctive black and white or red coloration with variable elytral markings. The species is closely associated with hazel (Corylus spp.) as its host plant. It closely resembles C. spiraeae and C. rhoda but can be distinguished by its host plant association.
Calligrapha spiraeae
Ninebark Calligrapha Beetle
A leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae that is highly host-specific to ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius). The species was described by Say in 1826 based on specimens collected from ninebark, which was then classified under the genus Spiraea—hence the species epithet spiraeae. Adults are reddish with small black spots on the elytra and are readily found on their host plant throughout the growing season. The species is notable among Calligrapha for its strict monophagy, utilizing no other known host plant besides ninebark.
Calligrapha verrucosa
Calligrapha verrucosa is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America, with records from western Canada including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. As a member of the genus Calligrapha, it likely exhibits the characteristic dome-shaped body and distinctive elytral markings typical of the group, though specific morphological details for this species are poorly documented in the provided sources.
Calligrapha vicina
Calligrapha vicina is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, described by C. Schaeffer in 1933. It occurs in northeastern North America, with records from New Brunswick, Ontario, and Québec in Canada. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits strong host plant specificity, though its specific host associations remain undocumented. The genus Calligrapha is characterized by dome-shaped bodies and distinctive black and white or reddish color patterns on the elytra.
Calligrapha wickhami
Calligrapha wickhami is a leaf beetle species in the subgenus Erythrographa (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Chrysomelinae), distinguished by reddish testaceous coloration extending to dark body parts including elytral markings. It is the only species in this subgenus not found in Mexico, being restricted to southern Texas. The subgenus Erythrographa is endemic to Central America and particularly diverse in the Mexican Transition Zone between the Nearctic and Neotropical realms.
Capraita circumdata
Capraita circumdata is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is endemic to North America, with confirmed records from Ontario, Québec, and other parts of Canada and the United States. The species belongs to a genus of leaf-feeding beetles that typically specialize on particular host plants.
Cassida flaveola
pale tortoise beetle
Cassida flaveola, known as the pale tortoise beetle, is a brownish leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was historically considered an introduced Palearctic species in North America, but recent evidence indicates it is at least in part native with a Holarctic distribution. The species has been newly recorded in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island in the Maritime Provinces of Canada.
Cassida piperata
Small Tortoise Beetle, tortoise beetle
Cassida piperata is a tortoise beetle in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae. Native to eastern Asia, it has been introduced to North America and Europe, with established populations in northern Italy since 2021. It serves as a host for the parasitoid wasp Holcotetrastichus rhosaces in Japan.
Cassida relicta
Pink Plains Cassidine
Cassida relicta is a species of tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae. It is found in North America and is commonly known as the Pink Plains Cassidine. Like other tortoise beetles, it possesses a flattened, shield-like body form with the head capable of being drawn beneath the pronotum for protection. The species was described by Spaeth in 1927.
Cassida rubiginosa
Thistle Tortoise Beetle
Cassida rubiginosa, commonly known as the thistle tortoise beetle, is a leaf beetle in the subfamily Cassidinae native to Europe and Asia that has been introduced to North America, New Zealand, and other regions as a biological control agent for invasive thistles. The beetle derives its common name from the tortoise-like appearance of adults, whose elytra and pronotum form a shield-like covering over the body. Both adults and larvae feed on thistle foliage, with larvae possessing a distinctive defensive structure—a forked caudal appendage used to carry accumulated feces and exuviae as a mobile 'fecal shield' that deters predators. The species has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing thistle biomass and seed production, though its host range extends beyond the primary target to other Cardueae species.
Cerotoma
bean leaf beetles
Cerotoma is a genus of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) containing approximately seven described species distributed across North America and the Neotropics. The genus is best known for Cerotoma trifurcata, commonly called the bean leaf beetle, a significant agricultural pest of soybean and common bean. Adults feed on foliage and pods, while larvae feed on roots and root nodules. The genus exhibits strong host associations with leguminous plants.
Cerotoma atrofasciata
Bean Leaf Beetle
Cerotoma atrofasciata is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The genus Cerotoma includes species associated with leguminous plants, particularly soybeans.
Cerotoma ruficornis
bean leaf beetle
Cerotoma ruficornis is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the bean leaf beetle. It is found across the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. Two subspecies are recognized: C. r. ruficornis and C. r. sexpunctata. The species is associated with soybean agriculture and has been studied alongside the related C. trifurcata as a pest of legume crops.
Chaetocnema
flea beetles
Chaetocnema is a large genus of flea beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, comprising approximately 470 described species worldwide. Members are small, jumping leaf beetles that feed on plant foliage. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, including the corn flea beetle (C. pulicaria), which vectors Stewart's wilt disease in corn, and C. confinis, which attacks sweet potatoes. The genus exhibits broad geographic distribution across multiple continents with diverse host plant associations.
Chaetocnema densa
Chaetocnema densa is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by R. White in 1996. The species belongs to the genus Chaetocnema, which comprises small leaf beetles known for their jumping ability. Very little specific information is available about this particular species beyond its taxonomic description and North American distribution. Like other members of the genus, it likely feeds on plant foliage, though host associations have not been documented.
Chaetocnema fuscata
Chaetocnema fuscata is a flea beetle (subfamily Alticinae) in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae. It was described by R. White in 1996 as part of his revision of the genus Chaetocnema in North America. The species is known from North America, with records from Ontario, Canada. Like other members of the genus, it is among the smallest flea beetles, with adults typically measuring 1–2 mm in length. The genus Chaetocnema includes several species associated with specific host plants, though detailed biological information for C. fuscata specifically remains limited.
Chaetocnema gentneri
Chaetocnema gentneri is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Csiki in 1940. The genus Chaetocnema contains numerous small leaf-feeding beetles, many of which are associated with specific host plants. Several congeners, such as C. quadricollis and C. pulicaria, are economically significant agricultural pests.
Chalepus bicolor
Chalepus bicolor is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae. It is widely distributed across eastern North America, ranging from Ontario, Canada southward throughout the eastern and central United States. Adults are small beetles, measuring 6.3–7.6 mm in length, with distinctive coloration featuring a red pronotum and dark elytra. The species has been documented feeding on several grass species in the genus Dichanthelium and Panicum.
Charidotella emarginata
Charidotella emarginata is a species of tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in Central America and North America. As a member of the tortoise beetle subfamily Cassidinae, it possesses the characteristic shield-like body form and expanded elytral margins that cover the legs and much of the body when at rest.
Charidotella succinea
tortoise beetle
Charidotella succinea is a tortoise beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species has been documented in Central America and North America based on occurrence records. As a member of the Cassidinae subfamily, it possesses the expanded elytra and pronotum characteristic of this group.
Chelymorpha cassidea
Argus tortoise beetle, milkweed tortoise beetle
Chelymorpha cassidea is a large tortoise beetle native to North America and the Caribbean, measuring 9–12 mm in length. Adults display variable coloration from yellow to bright red with black spots, and possess a distinctive ability to extend their red head beyond the pronotum, creating an appearance likened to the mythological figure Argus. Both larvae and adults feed on foliage of Convolvulaceae plants, including morning glory and sweet potato, and are capable of defoliating entire plants. The species overwinters as pupae in soil and emerges in mid-summer.
Chelymorpha phytophagica
Chelymorpha phytophagica is a species of tortoise beetle in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Two subspecies are recognized: C. p. luteata and C. p. phytophagica. Like other members of the genus Chelymorpha, this species is associated with plants in the family Convolvulaceae, including morning glories and related vines.
Chrysochus
dogbane leaf beetles, milkweed beetles
Chrysochus is a genus of leaf beetles in the subfamily Eumolpinae, established in 1836 by Louis Alexandre Auguste Chevrolat. The genus name derives from Greek χρυσοχόος, meaning 'goldsmith,' referencing the striking metallic coloration of its members. The genus contains at least eight described species distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia, with six species in the Palearctic realm and two in North America. Species in this genus are specialized herbivores of plants in the dogbane and milkweed families (Apocynaceae and Asclepiadaceae).
Chrysochus auratus
Dogbane Leaf Beetle, Dogbane Beetle
Chrysochus auratus is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, notable for its striking iridescent blue-green coloration with coppery or golden metallic highlights. This beetle is strictly associated with dogbane plants (Apocynum spp.), feeding on leaves as adults and roots as larvae. It has evolved specialized physiological and behavioral adaptations to overcome the toxic cardenolide defenses of its host plants, including a modified Na+/K+-ATPase enzyme that allows it to process and even sequester these compounds for its own chemical defense against predators.
Chrysochus cobaltinus
Cobalt Milkweed Beetle, Blue Milkweed Beetle
Chrysochus cobaltinus is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, notable for its iridescent cobalt-blue coloration and specialized association with milkweed and dogbane plants. The species sequesters toxic cardenolides from its host plants for chemical defense against predators. Adults emerge in early summer and remain on host plants for approximately six weeks. The species exhibits polygamous mating with extended post-copulatory mate guarding by males, and hybridizes with its sister species C. auratus in narrow contact zones.
Chrysodinopsis basalis
Chrysodinopsis basalis is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Jacoby in 1890. The species occurs in North and Middle America. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases, with only one iNaturalist record documented. As a member of the Chrysomelidae, it is part of a large family of herbivorous beetles commonly known as leaf beetles, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Chrysolina basilaris
Chrysolina basilaris is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by Thomas Say in 1824. The species occurs in North America, with records from western Canada including Alberta, British Columbia, and Yukon Territory. As a member of the genus Chrysolina, it belongs to a group of leaf beetles known for feeding on various plants, though specific details for this species are limited.
Chrysolina fastuosa
Chrysolina fastuosa is a small (5.0–6.0 mm), univoltine leaf beetle native to the Palearctic Region, ranging from eastern Siberia to western Europe. First North American records document established populations in Nova Scotia, Canada and Vermont, USA, separated by over 900 km. The species is distinguished by bright metallic green coloration with blue at the elytral suture and often orange median longitudinal areas on the elytra. It feeds on Lamiaceae, particularly Galeopsis species, and has the potential to spread across the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.
Chrysolina flavomarginata
Yellow-margined Leaf Beetle
Chrysolina flavomarginata is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to North America, with records from the United States and Canada. The species is active in fall, which is unusual among jewel beetles. It has been observed on yellow flowers of the Asteraceae family.
Chrysolina hyperici
Saint John's Wort Beetle, St. Johnswort Beetle, Klamathweed Beetle
Chrysolina hyperici is a leaf-feeding chrysomelid beetle native to Europe and Asia, widely introduced as a biological control agent for invasive St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). The species has been established in North America, Australia, and other regions where its host plant has become problematic. Populations are often transient and alone do not provide sustained weed suppression, though the beetle can mechanically vector a host-specific fungal pathogen that enhances control effectiveness.
Chrysolina marginata
Margined Leaf Beetle
Chrysolina marginata is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Linnaeus in 1758. The species has been recorded in Europe, Northern Asia, and North America, though its taxonomic status is marked as doubtful in some databases. As a member of the genus Chrysolina, it belongs to a diverse group of leaf beetles commonly associated with herbaceous vegetation.
Chrysolina quadrigemina
greater St. John's wort beetle, St. John's wort beetle
Chrysolina quadrigemina is a leaf beetle introduced to North America as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort). Native to Europe and North Africa, this beetle has established populations across western North America and has been introduced to Australia. Adults and larvae feed exclusively on Hypericum species, with documented spillover onto native congeners such as H. punctatum in the eastern United States. The beetle exhibits a univoltine life cycle with adults active in summer, and shows evidence of post-colonization adaptation to colder climates in northern populations.