Leaf-beetle
Guides
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 brunnea
Corn Silk Beetle
Metrioidea brunnea, commonly known as the corn silk beetle, is a skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to North America and feeds on corn silk and foliage. The species is recognized as a minor agricultural pest of maize. Limited detailed biological information is available for this species.
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
Microrhopala is a genus of hispine leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, containing approximately 18 described species in North America. These small beetles are characterized by their clubbed antennae and association with herbaceous vegetation, particularly in prairie and old field habitats. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with species historically placed in the subfamily Hispinae now classified within the more broadly defined Cassidinae. Ecological studies have demonstrated that some species, particularly M. vittata, can function as keystone herbivores capable of dramatically altering plant community structure through outbreaks.
Microrhopala excavata
Microrhopala excavata is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae (formerly Hispinae). Adults measure 4–5.6 mm (males) and 4.6–6.6 mm (females). The species exhibits metallic coloration, with adults appearing black, metallic green, blue, or purple. It is broadly distributed across North America, with two recognized subspecies showing partially overlapping ranges. The species has been recorded feeding on several Asteraceae host plants.
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 rubrolineata
A subspecies of hispine leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, Microrhopala rubrolineata rubrolineata is found in western North America. The species Microrhopala rubrolineata, along with the eastern M. vittata, belongs to a genus of leaf-feeding beetles that specialize on Asteraceae host plants. Adults and larvae both feed on their host plants, with larvae mining within leaves.
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.
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.
Mimosestes amicus
Mimosestes amicus is a small beetle in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae, originally described as Bruchus amicus by Horn in 1873. It occurs in North America, Central America, and Hawaii. The species has been documented with new host plant records, though specific hosts are not detailed in available sources. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with leguminous plants.
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.
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.
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.
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
warty leaf beetles
Neochlamisus is a genus of case-bearing leaf beetles in the tribe Fulcidacini, commonly known as warty leaf beetles. Adults measure 3–4 mm and exhibit cryptic coloration resembling caterpillar frass. The genus comprises 17–18 species restricted to North America, including Mexico. These beetles are notable for their elaborate fecal case construction by larvae and have become important model organisms for studying host-associated speciation, particularly in N. bebbianae, which exhibits distinct host forms on different tree species.
Neochlamisus bimaculatus
warty leaf beetle
Neochlamisus bimaculatus is a small case-bearing leaf beetle in the tribe Chlamisini, commonly known as warty leaf beetles. The species is associated with Rubus spp., including blackberry, on which it mates, feeds, and oviposits. Like other members of the Camptosomata, it exhibits remarkable mimicry of caterpillar frass for protection against predators.
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 robusta
Neocrepidodera robusta is a species of flea beetle in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae. It was described by LeConte in 1874. The species is known from North America, with records from western and central Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. As a member of the subfamily Alticinae, it possesses the enlarged hind femora characteristic of flea beetles, enabling jumping locomotion.
Neofidia cana
Neofidia cana is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The genus Neofidia was established relatively recently, with species transferred from related genera based on morphological and phylogenetic studies. This species is part of a group of Neotropical leaf beetles. Records of this species remain sparse, with limited observational data available.
Neofidia humeralis
Neofidia humeralis is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was first described by French entomologist Édouard Lefèvre in 1877, originally as two separate species (Fidia humeralis and Fidia plagiata) that were later synonymized. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, with records from Arizona, New Mexico, and southward through the Sierra Madre mountain systems to Oaxaca.
Neofidia longipes
Neofidia longipes is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, found in eastern North America. It has been documented feeding on a diverse range of host plants including American holly (Ilex opaca), willows (Salix), soybeans, and several members of the grape family (Vitaceae). The species is morphologically similar to Neofidia rileyorum, with females of the two species being indistinguishable without associated males. Both species occur sympatrically along portions of the Appalachian Mountains and in parts of Ohio and Alabama.
Neofidia lurida
grape rootworm
Neofidia lurida, commonly known as the grape rootworm, is a leaf beetle in family Chrysomelidae. It is distributed across eastern North America, extending south to Mexico and north to Quebec. The species is recognized as an economic pest of grape cultivation due to larval feeding damage on roots. Adults are small, hairy beetles active in late spring and early summer.
Neofidia texana
Neofidia texana is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, restricted to central and east-central Texas. It was originally described in 1934 by Charles Frederic August Schaeffer as a variety of Fidia viticida, but is now recognized as a distinct species. The species is associated with plants in the grape family (Vitaceae).
Neogalerucella calmariensis
black-margined loosestrife beetle, purple loosestrife beetle
A small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, native to Europe and Asia, that has been introduced to North America as a biological control agent for invasive purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria). Adults and larvae feed on leaves and meristems of their host plant, causing significant damage that reduces plant vigor and seed production. The species is one of several Neogalerucella beetles used in loosestrife biocontrol programs.
Neogalerucella lineola
Neogalerucella lineola is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is currently classified under the genus Neogalerucella, though it was historically placed in Galerucella. It belongs to a group of beetles commonly known as leaf beetles, which are primarily herbivorous and often associated with specific host plants. The taxonomic status of this species as a synonym of Galerucella lineola indicates ongoing revisions in the classification of this genus group.
Neohaemonia nigricornis
Neohaemonia nigricornis is an aquatic leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Donaciinae. The species inhabits freshwater environments in North America, with a distribution spanning the northern United States and southern Canada. As a member of the tribe Haemoniini, it shares adaptations for aquatic life with related genera, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Neolema cordata
Neolema cordata is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by White in 1993. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Ontario, Canada. As a member of the leaf beetle family, it likely feeds on plant material, though specific host associations remain undocumented. The genus Neolema is relatively small and understudied compared to related genera.
Neolema dorsalis
Neolema dorsalis is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It has a broad geographic distribution spanning the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species was originally described as Crioceris dorsalis by Olivier in 1791. It belongs to a genus of leaf beetles, with over 1,000 iNaturalist observations documenting its presence across its range.
Neolochmaea dilatipennis
Neolochmaea dilatipennis is a leaf beetle (Chrysomelidae) described by Jacoby in 1886. The genus Neolochmaea comprises small to medium-sized leaf beetles primarily distributed in the Neotropical region. This species has been recorded across the Caribbean, North America, and South America. Available observation data suggests it is relatively well-documented, with over 800 records on iNaturalist.
Octotoma marginicollis
Octotoma marginicollis is a leaf beetle (family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae) occurring in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults have been recorded feeding on Perezia thurberi and collected from a variety of woody and herbaceous plants including Fraxinus, Baccharis, Brickellia, Viguiera, and Monarda species. The species was described by Horn in 1883.
Octotoma plicatula
Trumpet Creeper Leafminer, Trumpet Creeper Leaf Miner
Octotoma plicatula is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The common name 'Trumpet Creeper Leafminer' reflects its association with Campsis radicans, the trumpet creeper vine. The species is widespread in eastern and central North America.
Odontota arizonica
Odontota arizonica is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, recorded from the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The species has been collected on several plant species including oaks, legumes, and ornamental plants, though its specific foodplant relationships remain incompletely known. Like other members of the genus Odontota, it likely exhibits leaf-mining larval biology.
Odontota dorsalis
locust leaf miner, locust leafminer
Odontota dorsalis, commonly known as the locust leaf miner, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to North America and feeds primarily on black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and related species in the Fabaceae family. The beetle is known for producing distinctive 'scorched' damage on host trees, caused by both adult skeletonization and larval leaf mining. Two generations occur annually in most of its range.
Odontota floridana
Odontota floridana is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by Butte in 1968. The species is known from a limited number of observations in North America, with records from the southeastern United States.
Odontota horni
soybean leafminer
Odontota horni is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the soybean leafminer. It is found across a broad swath of eastern and central North America, with records from 28 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. The species is associated with leguminous host plants, including several Desmodium species, Tephrosia virginiana, and Glycine max (soybean), which gives it its common name.
Odontota scapularis
orange-shouldered leaf miner, orange-shouldered leafminer
Odontota scapularis, commonly known as the orange-shouldered leaf miner, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is found across eastern and central North America, with records from Canada (Ontario) and numerous U.S. states. Larvae mine within leaves while adults feed externally on foliage. The species has been documented feeding on Apios americana (groundnut), a leguminous vine.
Odontota signaticollis
Odontota signaticollis is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, known from Honduras and central Mexico. The species has been documented from Mexico City, Durango, and Puebla. Its biology and ecology remain poorly studied compared to congeners such as the locust leafminer.