Leaf-beetle
Guides
Omophoita cyanipennis
Eight-spotted Flea Beetle
Omophoita cyanipennis, commonly known as the eight-spotted flea beetle, is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species was described by Fabricius in 1798. It is distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. Two subspecies are recognized: O. c. cyanipennis and O. c. octomaculata.
Oomorphus floridanus
Oomorphus floridanus is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Horn in 1893. The species occurs in the Caribbean and North America, with documented association with young pine foliage. Unusually among leaf beetles, it has been observed engaging in coprophagy, specifically feeding on the excreta of the eastern woodrat (Neotoma floridana).
Opacinota
Opacinota is a genus of tortoise beetles (family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae) described by E. Riley in 1986. It is monotypic, containing only the single species O. bisignata. Tortoise beetles are known for their domed, shield-like body shape that extends from the pronotum to cover the elytra. The genus belongs to the tribe Cassidini within the leaf beetle family.
Ophraea
Ophraea is a genus of skeletonizing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae. The genus contains approximately eight described species, with twelve species names listed in taxonomic records. Members are distributed across North America and the Neotropics. These beetles are characterized by their leaf-feeding behavior, specifically skeletonizing plant tissue between leaf veins.
Ophraea rugosa
Ophraea rugosa is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Jacoby in 1886. The species has a transcontinental distribution spanning from the southwestern United States through Mexico to Central America. It is one of approximately 13 species in the genus Ophraea, a group of leaf beetles primarily distributed in the Neotropical and Nearctic regions.
Ophraella bilineata
Skeletonizing leaf beetle
Ophraella bilineata is a species of skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is characterized by its distinctive striped elytra and is found across North America. As a member of the Galerucinae subfamily, it exhibits the typical leaf beetle morphology with compact body form and herbivorous feeding habits.
Ophraella conferta
Crowded Leaf Beetle
Ophraella conferta is a skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the Crowded Leaf Beetle. The species is distributed across North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick) and the United States. As a member of the genus Ophraella, it shares the characteristic leaf-feeding habits of this group, though specific host plant associations for this species are not well documented in the available literature.
Ophraella notata
Boneset Leaf Beetle
Ophraella notata is a skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the Boneset Leaf Beetle. It has a documented association with Eupatorium perfoliatum (boneset) as its host plant. The species ranges across eastern and central North America, from New Mexico to Florida and north to New Brunswick and Wyoming.
Ophraella notulata
Marsh Elder Leaf Beetle
Ophraella notulata is a Nearctic skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, found in Gulf Coast states of the United States and Mexico. It was previously described as O. integra (LeConte), now synonymized with O. notulata (Fabricius). The species is specialized on host plants in the Asteraceae family, primarily Iva frutescens (marsh elder), with documented ability to utilize Ambrosia artemisiifolia (ragweed) as an alternative host. Research has demonstrated complex transgenerational effects of host plant on offspring fitness and behavior.
Ophraella sexvittata
Six-lined Goldenrod Leaf Beetle
Ophraella sexvittata is a skeletonizing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is one of 13 recognized species in the Nearctic genus Ophraella. The species is a specialist herbivore associated with goldenrods (Solidago spp.) in the southeastern United States.
Orsodacne atra
Silver-backed Orsodacnid Beetle
Orsodacne atra is a small leaf beetle in the family Orsodacnidae, distributed across North and Central America. Adults are frequently observed on flowers of woody shrubs and trees, particularly in early spring. The species is one of the few members of its family in North America.
Oulema
Cereal leaf beetles
Oulema is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Criocerinae. The genus contains approximately 100 species distributed primarily in temperate to tropical regions. Several species are economically important agricultural pests, most notably Oulema melanopus (cereal leaf beetle), which has been introduced to North America and causes significant damage to wheat and other small grain crops. The genus can be distinguished from the closely related Lema by pronotum shape and the converging angle of frontal grooves.
Oulema concolor
Oulema concolor is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by J.L. LeConte in 1884. It is distributed across Central America and North America. The genus Oulema belongs to the subfamily Criocerinae, commonly known as cereal leaf beetles and their relatives. As with many Oulema species, detailed biological information remains limited in published literature.
Oulema elongata
Oulema elongata is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by R. White in 1993. The species belongs to the subfamily Criocerinae, a group commonly known as cereal leaf beetles and allies. Members of the genus Oulema are typically associated with monocot plants, particularly grasses. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only two records in iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Oulema maculicollis
Oulema maculicollis is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Criocerinae. The species is native to North America. As a member of the genus Oulema, it belongs to a group of leaf beetles commonly known as cereal leaf beetles, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Oulema margineimpressa
Oulema margineimpressa is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Criocerinae. It was described by Schaeffer in 1933 and is known from North America. Members of the genus Oulema are commonly referred to as cereal leaf beetles, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Oulema melanopus
cereal leaf beetle
Oulema melanopus is a leaf beetle native to Eurasia that was introduced to North America in 1962, where it has since become a significant economic pest of small grain crops. The species is particularly damaging to spring wheat and oats, with outbreaks that are sporadic and difficult to predict. Larval feeding causes the most damage by skeletonizing leaves. Management relies on insecticides, though biological control using introduced parasitoids and host plant resistance breeding programs offer promising alternatives.
Oulema palustris
Marsh Cereal Leaf Beetle
Oulema palustris is a North American leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is a specialist herbivore associated with thistles, with larvae functioning as leaf miners and adults feeding externally on foliage. The specific epithet 'palustris' refers to marshy habitats, though the species' exact habitat preferences require further documentation.
Oulema sayi
Oulema sayi is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by Crotch in 1873 and is known from North America. The genus Oulema includes numerous leaf beetle species, many of which are associated with grasses and cereal crops.
Pachybrachis alticola
Pachybrachis alticola is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle first described by Fall in 1915. It belongs to the genus Pachybrachis, a diverse group of small, rounded leaf beetles characterized by their compact bodies and often patterned elytra. The species name "alticola" suggests an association with higher elevations, though specific habitat preferences remain poorly documented. Like other members of its genus, it likely feeds on various herbaceous plants and shrubs.
Pachybrachis brevicollis
Pachybrachis brevicollis is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1880. It belongs to the subfamily Cryptocephalinae, a group known for larvae that construct protective cases from their own excrement and shed skins. The species is distributed across North America, with records from the southwestern United States including Arizona.
Pachybrachis brevicornis
Pachybrachis brevicornis is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Fall in 1915. The genus Pachybrachis contains numerous small leaf beetle species, many of which are poorly known biologically. The specific epithet "brevicornis" refers to short antennae, a trait distinguishing this species from congeners.
Pachybrachis calidus
case-bearing leaf beetle
Pachybrachis calidus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle (family Chrysomelidae) described by Fall in 1915. It occurs in Central and North America, where it inhabits mesquite-acacia scrub and oak-juniper woodland habitats. The species has been documented at light traps in southeastern Arizona, with adults active in late July. Like other members of the genus, it likely carries its eggs in a protective case constructed from fecal material.
Pachybrachis coloradensis
Pachybrachis coloradensis is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species was described by Bowditch in 1909. It belongs to a genus commonly known as scriptured leaf beetles, recognized for their hardened forewings that form protective cases over the abdomen. Information specific to this species remains limited in published literature.
Pachybrachis convictus
Pachybrachis convictus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Fall in 1915. The genus Pachybrachis is among the largest genera of North American leaf beetles, with species typically associated with woody vegetation. This species has been documented in the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona. Like other members of the genus, it is likely associated with oaks and related woody plants, though specific host records for this species are not well documented.
Pachybrachis cruentus
Pachybrachis cruentus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1880. It belongs to the genus Pachybrachis, a diverse group of small leaf beetles commonly known as scriptured leaf beetles. The species is recorded from North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in available literature.
Pachybrachis deceptor
Pachybrachis deceptor is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is part of the diverse genus Pachybrachis, which contains numerous small, often colorful species found primarily in North America. The species name "deceptor" suggests a potentially misleading or cryptic appearance. Like other members of its genus, it likely feeds on foliage of various plants and has a life cycle involving larvae that carry protective cases.
Pachybrachis diversus
Screwbean Pachy
Pachybrachis diversus is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cryptocephalinae. It belongs to a large genus of North American cryptocephaline beetles commonly known as 'scripture beetles' for their often ornate elytral patterns. The species was described by Fall in 1915 and has been collected in the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona. Based on field observations, it appears to be attracted to ultraviolet and mercury-vapor lights in oak-juniper woodland habitats.
Pachybrachis dubiosus
Pachybrachis dubiosus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by J.L. LeConte in 1880. The species belongs to a genus characterized by small, rounded leaf beetles that often carry egg cases or debris on their bodies. Records indicate presence in North America, with observations documented in the southwestern United States.
Pachybrachis femoratus
case-bearing leaf beetle
Pachybrachis femoratus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America. The genus Pachybrachis is characterized by its case-bearing habit, where larvae construct protective cases from fecal material and exuviae. This species is one of many in a large genus of small leaf beetles.
Pachybrachis fuscipes
Pachybrachis fuscipes is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Fall in 1915. It is native to North America and belongs to a genus of small, often colorful beetles commonly known as scriptured leaf beetles. The species has two recognized subspecies: P. f. fuscipes and P. f. purgatus. Like other members of its genus, it likely feeds on plant foliage, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Pachybrachis gilberti
Pachybrachis gilberti is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Barney in 2019. The genus Pachybrachis contains numerous small, often colorful leaf beetles commonly known as 'scriptured leaf beetles' due to their frequently ornate elytral patterns. This species was documented during a 2021 collecting trip in southeastern Arizona, where specimens were attracted to ultraviolet and mercury-vapor light stations in mesquite-acacia scrub habitat. As a recently described species, detailed natural history information remains limited.
Pachybrachis gracilipes
Pachybrachis gracilipes is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Fall in 1915. It belongs to a genus of small, often cryptically colored leaf beetles commonly known as "scriptured leaf beetles" due to their intricate patterns. The species is documented from North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in the available literature.
Pachybrachis hector
Pachybrachis hector is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Fall in 1915. It belongs to a genus of small leaf beetles known for their rounded, convex bodies and enlarged hind femora. The species is known from North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented.
Pachybrachis jacobyi
Pachybrachis jacobyi is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by Bowditch in 1909. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona, where it has been collected at light stations in mesquite-acacia scrub and oak-juniper woodland habitats. Like other members of the genus Pachybrachis, it is likely associated with woody vegetation, though specific host plant relationships remain poorly documented.
Pachybrachis kentuckyensis
Pachybrachis kentuckyensis is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cryptocephalinae. The genus Pachybrachis is a large North American group commonly known as "scriptured leaf beetles" due to the intricate patterns on their elytra. Species in this genus are typically small, compact beetles associated with various host plants. Pachybrachis kentuckyensis is one of many species in this taxonomically challenging genus that requires careful examination for identification.
Pachybrachis latithorax
Tamaulipan Freckled Pachy
Pachybrachis latithorax is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The species belongs to a genus commonly known as 'scriptured leaf beetles' for their often intricate elytral patterns. Like other members of Pachybrachis, it is presumed to feed on foliage of various plants, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Pachybrachis lustrans
Pachybrachis lustrans is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1880. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Pachybrachis, it belongs to a group commonly known as scriptured leaf beetles, recognized for their often ornate elytral patterns. Specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in published literature.
Pachybrachis melanostictus
Pachybrachis melanostictus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America, with documented records from Canada including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. The species belongs to a genus of small leaf beetles commonly known as scriptured leaf beetles.
Pachybrachis mellitus
Dark-honey Creosote Pachy
Pachybrachis mellitus is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Bowditch in 1909. The species is known from southwestern North America and has been documented in association with creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) and other desert vegetation. The common name "Dark-honey Creosote Pachy" reflects both its coloration and apparent habitat preference. It is one of numerous Pachybrachis species found in the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Pachybrachis minor
Pachybrachis minor is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Bowditch in 1909. The genus Pachybrachis contains numerous species of flea beetles and leaf beetles found primarily in North America. This species is recorded from western Canada including British Columbia and Manitoba.
Pachybrachis mobilis
Pachybrachis mobilis is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Fall in 1915. The species belongs to a genus of small, often colorful beetles known for their hardened forewings that protect the hindwings and abdomen. It is native to North America. Available information on this species is limited, with only two observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Pachybrachis nigricornis
Pachybrachis nigricornis is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, originally described by Thomas Say in 1824 as Cryptocephalus nigricornis. The species is distributed across North America and Central America, with records from Canada (Alberta) through the United States. It belongs to a large genus of small, often colorful leaf beetles commonly known as 'scriptured leaf beetles' due to their intricate elytral patterns. Four subspecies are currently recognized.
Pachybrachis nigricornis autolycus
Pachybrachis nigricornis autolycus is a subspecies of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Fall in 1915. It belongs to the genus Pachybrachis, a group of small, often colorful leaf beetles commonly known as "scriptured leaf beetles" due to their intricate patterns. The subspecies is recognized as accepted in taxonomic databases and has been documented in North America and Middle America, with specific records from Alberta, Canada.
Pachybrachis nobilis
Pachybrachis nobilis is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Fall in 1915. It belongs to a genus of small, often colorful beetles commonly known as scriptured leaf beetles. The species is recorded from North America, though specific details regarding its biology and ecology remain limited in the available literature.
Pachybrachis obsoletus
Pachybrachis obsoletus is a species of case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It belongs to a genus known for constructing protective larval cases from fecal material. The species has been recorded across North America, with confirmed observations in Canada including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba.
Pachybrachis othonus
Legume Case-bearing Leaf Beetle
Pachybrachis othonus is a case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the Legume Case-bearing Leaf Beetle. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1825 and is native to North America. It belongs to a genus characterized by larvae that construct protective cases from fecal material and shed skins.
Pachybrachis othonus pallidipennis
Pachybrachis othonus pallidipennis is a subspecies of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is a small leaf beetle with limited available documentation. The subspecies was described by Suffrian in 1858. Records indicate presence in North America. Specific biological details for this subspecies are poorly documented in available sources.
Pachybrachis othonus sioux
Pachybrachis othonus sioux is a subspecies of case-bearing leaf beetle described by Balsbaugh in 1973. It belongs to the genus Pachybrachis, a diverse group of small, convex leaf beetles commonly known as scriptured leaf beetles. The subspecies epithet "sioux" suggests an association with the northern Great Plains region inhabited by the Sioux people. As a member of Chrysomelidae, it shares the family characteristics of herbivorous feeding and compact body form.
Pachybrachis pectoralis
A case-bearing leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Melsheimer in 1847. It is one of numerous small, rounded leaf beetles in the genus Pachybrachis, commonly referred to as script-bearing leaf beetles due to the often intricate markings on their elytra. The species occurs in North America, with records from Canada (Ontario, Québec) and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it likely feeds on various herbaceous plants and shrubs.