Leaf beetle
July 14, 2005
The beetle family Chrysomelidae, or leaf beetles, is a family of over 35,000 species in more than 2,500 genera.
Leaf beetles are recognizable by their tarsal formula and distinguished from long-horned beetles (family Cerambycidae) by their short, filiform antennae. Adult and larval leaf beetles feed on all sorts of plant tissue. Many are economically important pests of agriculture, for example the colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), the asparagus beetle (Crioceris asparagi), and various flea beetles.