Species Chrysomela scripta - Cottonwood Leaf Beetle
Classification
Kingdom Animalia (Animals)
Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)
Class Insecta (Insects)
Order Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder Polyphaga (Water, Rove, Scarab, Longhorn, Leaf and Snout Beetles)
Superfamily Chrysomeloidea (Long-horned and Leaf Beetles)
Family Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
Subfamily Chrysomelinae
Genus Chrysomela
Species scripta (Cottonwood Leaf Beetle)
Size
6.5-9 mm
Identification
Yellowish or reddish with lines and dots. Found on Willow, Poplar, and Cottonwood.
Range
Throughout North America
Season
Summer
Food
Willow, Poplars, and Cottonwoods
Life Cycle
Adults and larvae found on willow--Salix, poplar--Populus sp., and cottonwood--Populus deltoides, etc. Yellow or reddish eggs laid on clusters on underside of leaves. Black larvae skeletonize leaves, while adults attack only midrib and large veins. There are up to five broods per year. (1)
Remarks
Most common and widespread member of this genus. When willows were grown commercially for baskets, these beetles were considered a pest, but now they are of little economic consequence. (2)
