Leaf-beetles
Guides
Aderus
ant-like leaf beetles
Aderus is a genus of ant-mimicking leaf beetles in the family Aderidae. The genus was established in 1829 and contains multiple species distributed across parts of Europe and the Americas. Members are characterized by their compact, ant-like body form.
Agroiconota
Agroiconota is a genus of tortoise beetles established by Spaeth in 1913, containing more than 20 described species. Members of this genus belong to the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae, and are characterized by their distinctive domed body shape typical of tortoise beetles. The genus is part of the tribe Cassidini and is distributed in the Neotropical region.
Alticini
Flea Beetles
Alticini is a hyperdiverse tribe of leaf beetles commonly known as flea beetles, comprising approximately 9,900 species worldwide. Members are characterized by an exceptional jumping ability powered by a specialized elastic energy storage mechanism in the hind legs. Most species feed on leaf surfaces of host plants and occur across diverse habitats from tropical rainforests to high-altitude meadows and deserts. The tribe has been historically treated as a subfamily but is now classified within Galerucinae.
Amphelasma
Amphelasma is a genus of skeletonizing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, containing 11 described species. These beetles are distributed from Venezuela to Mexico, with one species extending into southern Arizona. The genus was established by Barber in 1947 and belongs to the tribe Luperini within the subfamily Galerucinae.
Amplioluperus
Amplioluperus is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae. The genus comprises three described species: A. cyanellus, A. histrio, and A. maculicollis. The name refers to the relatively large body size of the type species compared to related genera.
Aulacothorax
Aulacothorax is a genus of leaf beetles comprising 51 described species distributed worldwide, with the highest diversity in the Indomalayan realm. The genus was historically misclassified among flea beetles (Alticini) due to superficially similar enlarged hind femora, but lacks the metafemoral spring that enables jumping. A 2023 phylogenetic study established its placement in the distinct tribe Serraticollini. The genus name dates to 1858, though the original type species was later reassigned, resulting in the synonymy of Orthaltica with Aulacothorax in 2017.
Baliosus
Baliosus is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, containing at least 40 described species. Members are classified within the subfamily Cassidinae, which includes both tortoise beetles and hispines. The genus was established by Weise in 1905. Species in this genus are primarily found in North America.
Bassareus
case-bearing leaf beetles
Bassareus is a genus of case-bearing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Haldeman in 1849. The genus contains approximately eight described species. These beetles are characterized by their habit of constructing protective cases from fecal material and plant debris. Bassareus is part of the diverse leaf beetle fauna of North America, with documented records from the United States including Vermont.
Brachycoryna
Brachycoryna is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae. It comprises seven described species distributed primarily in North America. Members of this genus are classified among the hispines, a group characterized by spiny or sculptured bodies. The genus was established by Guérin-Méneville in 1844.
Brachypnoea
Brachypnoea is a genus of leaf beetles in the subfamily Eumolpinae, primarily distributed in the Neotropical realm with eight species extending into the Nearctic realm. The genus was established by Gistel in 1848 as a replacement name for the preoccupied Noda (Chevrolat, 1836). Several species have been reclassified to other genera, including Dryadomolpus, Chrysodinopsis, and Spintherophyta. The genus belongs to the tribe Typophorini within the diverse leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae.
Cassidinae
tortoise and leaf-mining beetles, tortoise beetles, hispine beetles
Cassidinae is a large subfamily of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) comprising over 125 genera and approximately 3,000 species worldwide, with greatest diversity in the Neotropics. The subfamily encompasses two historically recognized groups: the 'cassidoids' or tortoise beetles, characterized by expanded pronotal and elytral margins that form a protective shield over the body, and the 'hispoids' or leaf-mining beetles, typically more elongated with parallel-sided bodies. Members exhibit remarkable morphological diversity, with some species displaying metallic coloration and the ability to change color through water movements within the translucent cuticle. The subfamily is notable for complex larval defensive adaptations including fecal shield construction and cycloalexic behavior, as well as the independent evolution of subsociality with paternal care in at least two lineages.
Chalepini
Chalepini is a tribe of leaf beetles within the subfamily Cassidinae of Chrysomelidae. It comprises at least 50 genera and approximately 830 described species. Members of this tribe are primarily distributed in the Neotropical region, with some species established in North America. The tribe includes economically significant species that feed on various host plants.
Chalepus
tortoise beetles, hispines
Chalepus is a genus of tortoise beetles and hispines in the family Chrysomelidae, established by Thunberg in 1805. The genus contains more than 90 described species distributed primarily in the Americas, from North America through Central America to South America. Members of this genus are associated with the subfamily Cassidinae, which includes beetles known for their often flattened or expanded body forms and association with leaf-feeding habits.
Chrysolina
leaf beetles
Chrysolina is a large genus of leaf beetles in the subfamily Chrysomelinae, containing numerous species distributed primarily across Europe, Asia, and Africa. The genus is notable for its phytophagous species, many of which exhibit strong host plant specificity. Several species have been employed as classical biological control agents against invasive weeds, most notably Chrysolina quadrigemina and C. hyperici for control of Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort). Some species are of conservation concern, including C. cerealis and C. graminis, which are protected in the United Kingdom. The genus includes both native and introduced populations, with some species established in North America and Australia.
Chrysomela
leaf beetles
Chrysomela is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, containing approximately 40 species distributed across most continents except Australia. The genus is notable for its chemical defense mechanisms, with larvae producing volatile compounds derived from host plant chemistry. Several species are economically significant, including the cottonwood leaf beetle (C. scripta) in North America. Research on Chrysomela species has contributed to understanding plant-herbivore interactions, local adaptation, and chemical ecology.
Chrysomelina
Chrysomelina is a subtribe of leaf beetles within the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Chrysomelinae. Members of this subtribe are characterized by their ability to produce chemical defenses, including de novo synthesis of iridoids (cyclic monoterpenes) and host-plant-dependent compounds such as salicylaldehyde. Larvae possess specialized glandular secretions used to repel predators. The subtribe exhibits diverse defensive strategies that have evolved through recruitment of oxidases from the glucose-methanol-choline (GMC) oxidoreductase superfamily. Some species display subsocial behavior with maternal care of offspring.
Chrysomelinae
broad-bodied leaf beetles, broad-shouldered leaf beetles
Chrysomelinae is a subfamily of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) comprising approximately 3,000 species worldwide, commonly known as broad-bodied or broad-shouldered leaf beetles. The subfamily includes the economically significant Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), a major agricultural pest. Chrysomelinae exhibits remarkable diversity in form and coloration, with adults typically displaying convex, rounded bodies often with bright coloration and variable patterns. The subfamily is distinguished by several unique morphological features including antennae inserted on or adjacent to the anterior head edge, mandibles with large membranous prosthecae, and a single anal cell in each wing. Larvae possess six pairs of stemmata, palmate mandibles, and annular spiracles. Both life stages possess defensive glands that secrete protective chemicals.
Chrysomelini
leaf beetles
Chrysomelini is a large and diverse tribe of leaf beetles within the family Chrysomelidae, comprising over 150 described genera. The tribe includes economically significant species such as the Colorado potato beetle (*Leptinotarsa decemlineata*) and numerous other herbivorous beetles associated with specific host plants. Subtribal classifications within Chrysomelini remain subject to ongoing taxonomic revision.
Colaspis
Colaspis is a large genus of leaf beetles in the subfamily Eumolpinae, containing over 200 species distributed across North and South America. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, such as the grape colaspis (Colaspis brunnea), which damages crop roots and foliage. Several species have been documented from Eocene fossil deposits in Colorado, USA. Taxonomic history of the genus has been complicated by nomenclatural disputes, particularly regarding the synonymy of Maecolaspis.
Coptocycla
Coptocycla is a genus of tortoise beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae. The genus contains approximately 58 described species. Members of this genus are leaf beetles characterized by their distinctive body form, with the elytra and pronotum expanded to cover the body margins. These beetles are primarily found in the Americas.
Cornulactica
Cornulactica is a genus of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) described by Bechyné in 1955. The genus is currently classified as doubtful in GBIF, indicating taxonomic uncertainty regarding its validity or circumscription. It belongs to the diverse family Chrysomelidae, one of the largest families of beetles, whose members are primarily herbivorous. The genus has been documented in iNaturalist with 71 observations, suggesting some level of field recognition, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Criocerinae
Shining Leaf Beetles
Criocerinae is a subfamily of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) comprising approximately 1,400 described species distributed across temperate, subtropical, and tropical zones worldwide. Members are commonly known as shining leaf beetles due to their often lustrous appearance. The subfamily includes economically significant species, with some genera such as Lilioceris and Crioceris containing notable agricultural pests and biological control agents. Several species exhibit specialized host plant associations, particularly with monocots including orchids, lilies, and asparagus.
Criocerini
shining leaf beetles
Criocerini is a tribe of leaf beetles in the subfamily Criocerinae, family Chrysomelidae. Members are commonly known as shining leaf beetles. The tribe includes at least two genera: Crioceris and Lilioceris. These beetles are herbivorous and associated with monocot plants, particularly members of Liliaceae and related families.
Demotina
Demotina is a genus of leaf beetles in the subfamily Eumolpinae containing over 50 described species. The genus is native to Asia, Australia, and Oceania, with one adventive species (Demotina modesta) established in the southeastern United States. Some species are known to be parthenogenetic. One species, Demotina fasciculata, has been documented engaging in cecidophagy—feeding on plant galls induced by cynipid wasps.
Diabroticina
Diabroticina is a subtribe of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Luperini) comprising approximately six genera and numerous species, many of which are economically significant agricultural pests. The subtribe exhibits striking species diversity, particularly in the Neotropics, with feeding habits ranging from highly polyphagous to oligophagous on single host families. Adults primarily feed on pollen, while larvae are root-feeders. Ecological and behavioral data remain incomplete for most non-pest species.
Diachus
case-bearing leaf beetles
Diachus is a genus of case-bearing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae. The genus contains approximately 10 described species, with a distribution centered in the Americas. Members of this genus are characterized by their case-bearing habit, where larvae construct protective cases from fecal material and exuviae. The genus was established by J.L. LeConte in 1880.
Donaciinae
Aquatic Leaf Beetles, Reed Beetles
Donaciinae is a subfamily of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) comprising approximately 100 species across six genera, including Donacia, Macroplea, and Plateumaris. Members are strongly associated with aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats, with larvae developing underwater attached to plant roots. The subfamily is characterized by distinctive morphological adaptations and an obligate symbiosis with bacteria that produce the silk-like material used to construct waterproof pupal cocoons. Donaciinae are primarily distributed in the Northern Hemisphere with extensions into Africa, Madagascar, and Australasia.
Fulcidacini
Warty Leaf Beetles
Fulcidacini is a tribe of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) within the subfamily Cryptocephalinae, historically treated as the distinct subfamily Chlamisinae. The tribe comprises 11 genera and approximately 400 species, with roughly 80% of species occurring in the Neotropics. Members are commonly known as warty leaf beetles due to their distinctive appearance and are characterized by case-bearing larvae that construct protective cases from fecal material.
Imatidiini
Imatidiini is a tribe of leaf beetles within the subfamily Cassidinae, established by Frederick William Hope in 1840. Members of this tribe are found primarily in the Americas and Asia. The tribe includes genera such as Calliaspis, whose immature stages were described for the first time in 2017. Some species within the tribe are associated with bromeliads and exhibit leaf-scraping feeding behavior.
Ischyrosonychini
Ischyrosonychini is a tribe of tortoise beetles and hispines within the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae, established by Chapuis in 1875. The tribe comprises approximately 7 genera and 60-70 described species, including the genera Asteriza, Cistudinella, Enagria, Eurypedus, Eurypepla, Physonota, and Platycycla. Juvenile stages have been described for members of this tribe. Members are distributed in the Americas, with at least one species (Physonota disjuncta) recently documented in the United States.
Lamprosomatinae
Lamprosomatinae is a small subfamily of leaf beetles within Chrysomelidae, classified among the case-bearing Camptosomata. The subfamily contains 14 extant genera and 3 extinct genera arranged in four tribes: Lamprosomatini, Cachiporrini, Neochlamysini, and Sphaerocharini. Members are distinguished from other Camptosomata by their distinctive body shape.
Lemini
shining leaf beetles
Lemini is a tribe of leaf beetles within the subfamily Criocerinae, characterized by their often metallic or shiny appearance. Members are placed in the family Chrysomelidae, a large group of herbivorous beetles commonly known as leaf beetles. The tribe was established by Gyllenhal in 1813 and contains multiple genera distributed across various regions.
Leptinotarsa
Potato Beetles
Leptinotarsa is a genus of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) containing approximately 20 described species, with the most notable being Leptinotarsa decemlineata, the Colorado potato beetle. Several species in the genus produce leptinotarsin, a toxin structurally similar to diamphotoxin found in African leaf beetles of the genus Diamphidia. Some Leptinotarsa species serve as hosts for parasitoid ground beetles in the genus Lebia.
Lexiphanes
Lexiphanes is a genus of case-bearing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cryptocephalinae, containing approximately 17 described species. The genus is distributed across North and South America, with species recorded from eastern Brazil to northern North America. Members of this genus are associated with specific host plants, with documented associations including Cassandra calyculata and Waltheria indica.
Lilioceris
lily leaf beetles, air potato leaf beetles
Lilioceris is a genus of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) in the subfamily Criocerinae, first described by Edmund Reitter in 1912. The genus contains over 100 species, with approximately 80 species occurring in Asia. Several species are notable agricultural and horticultural pests, particularly of plants in the lily family (Liliaceae). Lilioceris lilii (lily leaf beetle) is a serious pest of native and cultivated lilies in Europe and North America, while L. cheni has been successfully deployed as a classical biological control agent against the invasive air potato vine (Dioscorea bulbifera) in Florida. Species range from 4–10 mm in length with elongated, narrow bodies and distinct shoulders between the elytra and pronotum.
Luperini
Luperini is a tribe of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) within the large subfamily Galerucinae, containing approximately 5800 species. The tribe includes economically significant genera such as Diabrotica, Acalymma, and Aulacophora, many of which are associated with cucurbit host plants. Members exhibit specialized chemical ecology involving detection of cucurbitacins, bitter triterpenoid compounds that serve as kairomones for host location.
Lupraea
Lupraea is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, established by Martin Jacoby in 1885. The genus belongs to the diverse beetle family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as leaf beetles, which are primarily herbivorous. Information regarding the constituent species, biology, and distribution of Lupraea remains poorly documented in available literature.
Neohaemonia
Pale pondweed leaf beetles
Neohaemonia is a genus of aquatic leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, established by Székessy in 1941. The genus contains at least four described species distributed in North America. Members are commonly known as pale pondweed leaf beetles. These beetles are associated with aquatic habitats and feed on pondweeds (Potamogeton species).
Neolochmaea
Neolochmaea is a genus of skeletonizing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, established by Laboissière in 1939. The genus contains three described species: N. brevicornis, N. guerini, and N. obliterata. These beetles are restricted to the Neotropical region. The genus belongs to the tribe Alticini, commonly known as flea beetles, though specific behavioral traits of this genus remain poorly documented.
Orsodacnidae
Ravenous Leaf Beetles
Orsodacnidae is a small family of leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomeloidea) that was historically classified as a subfamily of Chrysomelidae but is now recognized as distinct. The family contains two subfamilies: Aulacoscelidinae (genera Aulacoscelis, Janbechynea) and Orsodacninae (genus Orsodacne). Members of this family exhibit specialized feeding relationships with cycads and other plants, with documented seed predation by immature stages and folivory by adults.
Orsodacninae
Orsodacninae is a subfamily of beetles containing a single genus, Orsodacne, with four Holarctic species. These beetles are small leaf beetles in the family Orsodacnidae, a group historically placed within Chrysomelidae. The subfamily is characterized by distinctive morphological features and a restricted geographic distribution in the Northern Hemisphere.
Paranapiacaba
Paranapiacaba is a genus of skeletonizing leaf beetles and flea beetles in the family Chrysomelidae. The genus contains at least two described species. The name is derived from Tupi-Guarani, meaning 'where you will find the sea' or 'a place to view the sea,' and is also the name of a historic railway town and forested mountain region in southeastern Brazil.
Paropsis
tortoise beetles
Paropsis is a genus of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) comprising over 70 described species. Members are small, brightly colored, and hemispherical in shape, leading to frequent misidentification as ladybirds (Coccinellidae). The genus is native to Australasia and has become established in some regions outside its native range through accidental introduction. Several species are significant defoliators of Eucalyptus and are considered economic pests in forestry plantations.
Pentispa
Pentispa is a genus of tortoise beetles and hispines in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae. The genus contains more than 20 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Members of this genus are classified in the tribe Chalepini, a group characterized by spiny or flattened body forms adapted for living on leaf surfaces.
Plateumarini
Plateumarini is a tribe of leaf beetles within the subfamily Donaciinae, established by Böving in 1922. Members of this tribe are aquatic or semi-aquatic beetles associated with freshwater habitats. The tribe is distinguished from the related tribe Donaciini by morphological features of the larval stage, particularly in the structure of the respiratory siphon. Plateumarini contains the genus Plateumaris, which is the primary genus in this group.
Rhabdopterus
Rhabdopterus is a genus of leaf beetles in the subfamily Eumolpinae, containing approximately 70 described species distributed across North and South America. Eight species occur north of Mexico, though Nearctic species may not be congeneric with the South American type species. The genus belongs to the family Chrysomelidae, a large group of herbivorous beetles commonly known as leaf beetles. Some species, such as Rhabdopterus jansoni, are significant herbivores in agricultural systems, particularly coffee plantations.
Saxinis
case-bearing leaf beetles
Saxinis is a genus of case-bearing leaf beetles (family Chrysomelidae) established by Lacordaire in 1848. The genus comprises at least 10 described species distributed primarily in North America. These beetles are characterized by their hardened forewings (elytra) that form a protective case over the abdomen. Members of this genus are part of the diverse leaf beetle fauna of the Americas.
Scelolyperus
Scelolyperus is a genus of skeletonizing leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, established by Crotch in 1874. The genus contains more than 20 described species distributed across North America, Mexico, and the Palaearctic region. Members are characterized as skeletonizing leaf beetles, a feeding guild that consumes leaf tissue between veins. The genus has been documented in at least 826 observations on iNaturalist, indicating moderate levels of public documentation.
Smaragdina
Smaragdina is a genus of short-horned leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Clytrinae. These beetles are characterized by their compact body form and association with vegetation. The genus occurs primarily in the Palearctic region, with documented records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As leaf beetles, species in this genus are herbivorous, though specific host plant associations vary among species.
Sumitrosis
Sumitrosis is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, containing at least 60 described species. The genus was established by Butte in 1969 and belongs to the subfamily Cassidinae (tortoise beetles and allies) and tribe Chalepini. One species, Sumitrosis rosea, has been documented as a leafminer on soybean crops, indicating potential agricultural significance for certain members of the genus.
Triariodes
Triariodes is a genus of leaf beetles (family Chrysomelidae) established in 2019 by Clark & Anderson. The genus contains three described species: T. admiratio, T. segonku, and T. vittipennis (the latter transferred from another genus). As a recently described genus, published information on its biology and ecology remains limited. The genus is known from relatively few observations, with iNaturalist records indicating sparse detection in the field.
Tricholochmaea
Tricholochmaea is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, comprising 21 described species and two subspecies. Members are known as skeletonizing leaf beetles and flea beetles, feeding on plant foliage in a characteristic pattern that leaves leaf veins intact. The genus includes several species associated with specific host plants, such as the cherry leaf beetle (T. cavicollis), Pacific willow leaf beetle (T. decora), and blueberry leaf beetle (T. vaccinii). Taxonomic treatment varies, with some authors treating Tricholochmaea as a synonym of Pyrrhalta.
Walterianella
Walterianella is a genus of flea beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini) in the subtribe Oedionychina. The genus contains more than 40 described species distributed in the Neotropical region. Recent taxonomic revisions have transferred several species from related genera into Walterianella, establishing new combinations. Larval stages have been described for at least one species, Walterianella bucki.