Leaf beetles

Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae
Leaf beetles

These are often specific to certain plant families and sometimes may be recognised by characteristic patterns of damage.

	The small leaf beetles (left) are commonly found on Epilobium species and are not a nuisance. Others can be a serious problem in the garden. Right (© Roger Key) is the Lily beetle Lilioceris lilii which has spread across Britain and can destroy all lily life in the garden. Other pests are equally harmful and easily recognised such as the Asparagus beetle and (less commonly) the Colorado beetle.
	This moderately large beetle was found on Hypericum (St John's Wort). Like many chrysomelids it has metallic colouration and is pitted. It has tarsal pads on all legs - the final  segment (before the claw) of all legs is broad and has hairs underneath to aid climbing. [identification to follow]
	The lily beetle (above) was slow to establish and spread across Britain. Much more rapid was the spread of the Rosemary beetle Chrysolina americana. As well as rosemary, the animal eats lavender and, to minor extents, sage and other labiate herbs. Records of both beetles are sought and can be reported either to RHS or Essex Field Club
	The tribe Cassidini are the tortoise beetles. The imagines (adults) have flattened bodies with their top side forming a protective carapace over the animal. (mating pair right © Les Wilson). The soft-bodied larvae (right) disguise themselves by carrying around a parasol of faeces. British species such as Cassida viridis (R) are commonly green and not pests although they may nibble mints and have caused damage to bergamot and other labiate herbs. Borowiec's web-site is comprehensive. More on Cassidinae.
	The smallest chrysomelids are the flea beetles which can cause extensive damage to plants - especially brassica crops.
	Some leaf beetles have been used for biological control of invasive plants. (e.g. see).

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CREATED 17ix2003
LAST MODIFIED 21ix2005