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The leaf beetles (family Chrysomelidae) generally have
antennae 1/2 their body length or less, and are characterized by their
bright metallic colors. The adult beetles feed on leaves and flowers;
the larvae attack roots, eat leaves, or tunnel within them. Many beetles
of this family are important agricultural pests. There are roughly 1,400
species in North America.
Habitat: Meadows and forest clearings, roadsides / Food: Dogbane and
other members of the milkweed family / Life cycle: Yellow eggs are laid
on the host plant or on the ground; larvae tunnel through soil to roots,
feed, and pupate in soil. |
