Willow Leaf Beetle larva - Plagiodera versicolora Beaches Park, Toronto, Ontario, Canada June 22, 2008 Size: 6 mm appprox
I was surprised to see we have no larval images of this species. Adult imported willow leaf beetles were all around this tree, and typical skeletonizing leaf damage obvious too, so I trust this ID is correct - please let me know if you think otherwise.
This was the largest larva I found - close to pupation I would guess.
Another interesting thing was that after I'd been bothering it with my attention for a while, this larva started exuding clear fluid from the projections along both sides of its back - some kind of chemical defense? Unfortunately I did not get a clear image of the droplets.
Images of this individual: tag all
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