Leaf-beetle
Guides
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
Helocassis is a genus of tortoise beetles (Cassidinae) in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae. The genus contains at least seven described species distributed across Central and North America. These beetles are characterized by their distinctive shield-like body form typical of the subfamily.
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 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 cyanea
palmetto tortoise beetle, Florida tortoise beetle, iridescent blue chrysomelid beetle
Hemisphaerota cyanea is a small, metallic blue tortoise beetle in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae. Adults measure 4.6–5.6 mm and possess distinctive hemispherical bodies with dark blue or purple elytra and pronotum. The species is endemic to the southeastern United States where it feeds exclusively on palms, particularly saw palmetto. Both adults and larvae exhibit remarkable defensive adaptations: adults use specialized adhesive tarsi with approximately 10,000 bristles per foot to clamp onto leaves, while larvae construct elaborate fecal thatches that conceal and protect them from predators.
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.
Hilarocassis
Hilarocassis is a genus of tortoise beetles and hispines in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae. It contains approximately 10 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. The genus was established by Spaeth in 1913 and belongs to the subfamily Cassidinae, tribe Mesomphaliini. Species in this genus exhibit the characteristic tortoise beetle body form with a broad, flattened shape and expanded elytral margins.
Hippuriphila
A genus of flea beetles in the family Chrysomelidae containing three described species distributed across the Nearctic and Palaearctic regions. The genus was established by Foudras in 1859. American specimens were historically misidentified as the Eurasian species H. adonidis until taxonomic revision established H. americana as a distinct species based on aedeagus morphology.
Hornaltica bicolorata
leaf-feeding beetle
Hornaltica bicolorata is a leaf-feeding beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species has been deployed as a biological control agent against the invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus in East Africa, particularly Ethiopia and Uganda, where it has demonstrated consistent establishment. It was previously known under the synonym Zygogramma bicolorata in biocontrol literature. The beetle contributes to integrated pest management programs by defoliating the target weed.
Janbechynea
Janbechynea is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Orsodacnidae, containing at least 12 described species distributed in North America. The genus is named in honor of Czech entomologist Jan Bechyně. Adults of at least one species, J. elongata, are specialized herbivores of cycads. The genus is divided into two subgenera: Janbechynea and Bothroscelis.
Kuschelina flavocyanea
Kuschelina flavocyanea is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, originally described by Crotch in 1873. The species is known from North America and has been documented in very few observations, suggesting it may be uncommon or underreported. As a member of the genus Kuschelina, it belongs to a group of flea beetles characterized by enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. Detailed biological information remains limited due to its apparent rarity in collections and observations.
Labidomera
milkweed leaf beetle
Labidomera is a genus of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) in the tribe Chrysomelini. The genus includes several species, with L. clivicollis being the most studied and widely distributed. Members are strongly associated with milkweed plants (Asclepias) and related genera. The genus exhibits unusual larval locomotion and participates in Müllerian mimicry rings with other orange-and-black milkweed insects.
Labidomera clivicollis
Swamp Milkweed Leaf Beetle, Milkweed Leaf Beetle
Labidomera clivicollis is a large leaf beetle specialized on milkweeds (Asclepias spp.). Adults and larvae feed on milkweed foliage, sequestering cardiac glycosides for chemical defense. The species exhibits aposematic orange and black coloration as part of a Müllerian mimicry complex with monarch butterflies and other milkweed feeders. Reproduction is photoperiodically controlled, with short day lengths inducing adult diapause. Larvae suffer high predation mortality, particularly from ground-dispersing predators.
Lema
Lema is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Criocerinae, established by Fabricius in 1798. The genus includes species that feed on plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae), with some species such as Lema daturaphila (three-lined potato beetle) known as agricultural pests. Members of this genus have evolved physiological adaptations to tolerate toxic alkaloids present in their host plants.
Lema confusa
Lema confusa is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Chevrolat in 1835. It has a broad geographic distribution spanning the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. As a member of the genus Lema, it belongs to a group of leaf beetles commonly associated with plants in the family Solanaceae.
Lema cyanella
Californian Thistle Leaf Beetle
Lema cyanella is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae investigated as a biological control agent for Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense). In Europe, it has been observed breeding primarily on C. arvense, though laboratory studies demonstrate broader feeding and reproductive capacity on Cirsium, Carduus, and Silybum genera. The species was introduced to New Zealand in 1981 and evaluated for release in North America. Females lay an average of 1564 eggs, with development from egg to adult taking approximately 17.6 days under controlled temperature conditions.
Lema daturaphila
Three-lined Potato Beetle
Lema daturaphila, the three-lined potato beetle, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. Native to Central and North America, it has spread to other regions including Africa and Oceania. Adults measure 7–8 mm and display bright orange-yellow coloration with three dark longitudinal stripes on the elytra. The species is a specialist herbivore of Solanaceae plants, particularly Datura species, though it occasionally feeds on agricultural crops such as tomato, potato, and eggplant. Larvae are slug-like with black heads and exhibit a distinctive defense behavior of covering themselves with excrement.
Lema trivittata
three-lined lema beetle, three-lined potato beetle
A leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, recognized by its bright orange thorax, yellow legs, and three black longitudinal stripes on yellow elytra. Adults and larvae feed on plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae), including potato, jimsonweed, and bittersweet nightshade. The species has evolved physiological tolerance to tropane alkaloids, toxic compounds produced by its host plants. Native to Central and North America, with introduced populations in Australia.
Leptinotarsa collinsi
Leptinotarsa collinsi is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Wilcox in 1972. It is native to North America and belongs to a genus that includes several economically significant agricultural pests, most notably the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata). Unlike its congener L. decemlineata, L. collinsi has not been documented as a major crop pest.
Leptinotarsa defecta
Twoline Satansbos Leaf Beetle
Leptinotarsa defecta is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, closely related to the notorious Colorado potato beetle (L. decemlineata). Unlike its congener, L. defecta is not a major agricultural pest and has been observed feeding on Solanum species in Florida. The species has a broad geographic distribution spanning North America, Middle America, and Africa, though detailed natural history information remains sparse.
Leptinotarsa haldemani
Haldeman's green potato beetle
Leptinotarsa haldemani, commonly known as Haldeman's green potato beetle, is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is named after 19th-century American entomologist Samuel Stehman Haldeman. The species is distinguished by its glossy metallic green elytra, black head, and black appendages. It feeds primarily on wild Solanaceae species and is occasionally found on cultivated potatoes.
Leptinotarsa lineolata
Burrobrush Leaf Beetle
Leptinotarsa lineolata is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, closely related to the Colorado Potato Beetle. Adults measure 7-8 millimeters and display distinctive coloration: metallic green head and thorax with ivory elytra marked by black streaks. The species is a specialist herbivore, feeding exclusively on Burrobrush (Hymenoclea monogyra). Populations become abundant following summer monsoon rains, typically in early to mid-July.
Leptinotarsa rubiginosa
reddish potato beetle
Leptinotarsa rubiginosa, the reddish potato beetle, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is a congener of the well-known Colorado potato beetle (L. decemlineata) but is considerably less common and less studied. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with documented observations in the southwestern United States including Arizona. It has been collected from vegetation in canyon and desert grassland habitats.
Leptinotarsa texana
Texas potato beetle
Leptinotarsa texana, commonly known as the Texas potato beetle, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It has been investigated as a potential biological control agent for the invasive weed silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium). The species has been documented as a host for the parasitoid wasp Edovum puttleri, which has been studied for biological control of the related Colorado potato beetle. Its host range includes multiple Solanum species, with field studies showing feeding on silverleaf nightshade and eggplant but not on potato.
Lexiphanes affinis
Lexiphanes affinis is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cryptocephalinae. The genus Lexiphanes belongs to the tribe Cryptocephalini, a group known for larvae that construct and carry protective cases from their own fecal material and plant debris. This species was described by Haldeman in 1849 and is native to North America. Like other members of its genus, it likely feeds on foliage of various plants, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Lexiphanes seminulum
Lexiphanes seminulum is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species was described by Suffrian in 1858. Very little published information exists regarding its biology, ecology, or distribution patterns. It belongs to a genus of small chrysomelids that are typically associated with herbaceous vegetation.
Lilioceris cheni
air potato leaf beetle
Lilioceris cheni is a leaf-feeding beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, native to China and Nepal. It was introduced to Florida in 2012 as a classical biological control agent to combat the invasive air potato vine (Dioscorea bulbifera). The beetle has established successfully and is now widely distributed across the southern United States. Mass rearing programs produce over 50,000 beetles annually for release. Both larvae and adults feed on air potato foliage, causing significant damage that reduces vine density and bulbil production.
Longitarsus erro
Longitarsus erro is a species of flea beetle (family Chrysomelidae) described by George Henry Horn in 1889. The species is known from Canada, with records from Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. As a member of the large genus Longitarsus, it belongs to a group of small leaf beetles characterized by their enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. Information regarding its specific biology, host plants, and ecology remains limited.
Longitarsus ferrugineus
Longitarsus ferrugineus is a small black flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Galerucinae. It belongs to a large genus of leaf beetles characterized by their enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The species has a broad distribution across much of Europe, with records from Great Britain through Central Europe to Italy and the Baltic states.
Longitarsus pellucidus
Longitarsus pellucidus is a flea beetle species in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae. The species has a transcontinental distribution spanning Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. Like other members of the genus Longitarsus, it possesses enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. Specific biological details remain poorly documented in available literature.
Luperaltica
Luperaltica is a genus of flea beetles (Chrysomelidae: Alticini) established by Crotch in 1873. The genus contains at least four described species in North America, with additional species reported from Mexico. Like other flea beetles, members possess enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The genus is part of the diverse leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae.
Luperaltica semiflava
Luperaltica semiflava is a species of flea beetle (Chrysomelidae) described by Fall in 1907. It is native to North America and belongs to the genus Luperaltica, a group of small leaf beetles characterized by enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping. The species is documented through limited observation records.
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.
Lygistus
Lygistus is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, containing a single described species, Lygistus streptophallus. The genus was established by Wilcox in 1965. The sole species is found in the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico.
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.
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.
Megacerus maculiventris
Megacerus maculiventris is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae. The genus Megacerus is placed within the subfamily Bruchinae, commonly known as seed beetles or bean weevils, though these are true beetles rather than weevils. The species has been recorded across a broad geographic range spanning the Americas. Available sources provide minimal specific information about this species beyond its taxonomic placement and distribution.
Megalostomis subfasciata
Megalostomis subfasciata is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was originally described by LeConte in 1868. A 2013 taxonomic revision designated a lectotype for this species and synonymized two previously recognized subspecific forms: M. subfasciata majorubrofasciata and M. subfasciata murina. The species is recorded from North America and Central America.
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.
Merobruchus terani
Merobruchus terani is a species of seed beetle in the subfamily Bruchinae, described by Kingsolver in 1980. It belongs to a genus whose members are associated with legume seeds, though specific host records for this species remain limited. The species occurs in Central America and North America.
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.