Ninebark
Guides
Calligrapha spiraeae
Ninebark Calligrapha Beetle
A leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae that is highly host-specific to ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius). The species was described by Say in 1826 based on specimens collected from ninebark, which was then classified under the genus Spiraea—hence the species epithet spiraeae. Adults are reddish with small black spots on the elytra and are readily found on their host plant throughout the growing season. The species is notable among Calligrapha for its strict monophagy, utilizing no other known host plant besides ninebark.