Leaf-beetle
Guides
Cryptocephalus castaneus
Chestnut-colored Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus castaneus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America. The species is one of over 1,000 described species in the genus Cryptocephalus, a diverse group of leaf beetles known for their rounded, compact bodies and enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The specific epithet "castaneus" refers to the chestnut coloration typical of this species.
Cryptocephalus cupressi
Cypress Cryptocephalus
Cryptocephalus cupressi is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Schaeffer in 1933. As a member of the large genus Cryptocephalus, this species is known from North America. The specific epithet 'cupressi' suggests an association with cypress (Cupressaceae), though detailed biological information remains limited. The species is documented in 11 iNaturalist observations.
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 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 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 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 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
Red-marked Leaf Beetle
Cryptocephalus notatus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the Red-marked Leaf Beetle. The species is native to North America and has been recorded across multiple Canadian provinces and the United States. It belongs to a genus whose larvae construct portable cases from fecal material and shed exoskeletons.
Cryptocephalus notatus fulvipennis
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 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 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 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 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.
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
cucumber beetles, corn rootworms
Diabrotica is a large, widespread genus of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) comprising approximately 400 species native to the Americas. The genus includes several economically significant agricultural pests, particularly species affecting corn, cucurbits, and other crops. Three informal species groups are recognized—fucata (354 species, multivoltine), virgifera (24 species, univoltine), and signifera (11 species, univoltine)—based on life history traits rather than molecular phylogeny. The genus exhibits a unique evolutionary relationship with cucurbitacin-producing plants, with beetles attracted to these bitter, toxic compounds for chemical defense.
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 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.
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.
Diorhabda
tamarisk beetle, saltcedar leaf beetle
Diorhabda is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Galerucinae. Most species within the genus feed on Tamarix (tamarisk or saltcedar), though at least one species, D. tarsalis, is a pest of Chinese licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis). The genus is native to Europe and Asia, with several species introduced to North America as biological control agents for invasive Tamarix. The D. elongata species group comprises five sibling species specialized on Tamarix: D. elongata, D. carinata, D. sublineata, D. carinulata, and D. meridionalis.
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.
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 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 funerea
Death Disonycha Flea Beetle
Disonycha funerea is a flea beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, native to North America. The common name "Death Disonycha Flea Beetle" reflects its dark, somber coloration. As a member of the genus Disonycha, it belongs to a group of small, jumping leaf beetles known for their enlarged hind femora that enable their characteristic flea-like escape behavior. The species was described by Randall in 1838.
Disonycha triangularis
Three-spotted Flea Beetle
Disonycha triangularis, commonly known as the three-spotted flea beetle, is a flea beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae. It is recognized by its distinctive triangular markings and jumping ability characteristic of flea beetles. The species is native to North America and has been documented across a broad geographic range including Canada and the United States.
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 cincticornis
Girdle-horned Pond Lily Leaf Beetle
Donacia cincticornis is a species of aquatic leaf beetle in the subfamily Donaciinae, characterized by its association with aquatic vegetation. The species is known from the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. Three subspecies have been described: D. c. cincticornis, D. c. tenuis, and D. c. tryphera. Like other members of the genus Donacia, it is closely tied to freshwater habitats.
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 dissimilis
Donacia dissimilis is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Donaciinae. Like other members of its genus, it is an aquatic or semi-aquatic beetle associated with freshwater habitats. The species was described by Schaeffer in 1925 and is known from North America.
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.