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Photo#1100853
Willow Flea Beetle - Crepidodera aereola
Copyright © 2015 James Bailey

Willow Flea Beetle - Crepidodera aereola
Agoura Hills, Los Angeles County, California, USA
July 12, 2015
Size: 3-5mm
Common on Salix lasiolepis.

Remarks:
-elytra clearly ridged, not smooth like in Altica
-frons/face iridescent green in all specimens, contrasts with overall bronze colour
-variable in size (3-5mm), and some are quite dark though still show bronze tint
-specific to Salix lasiolepis in my area.
-legs and antennae orange.
-rarely jumps, prefers to fly.

More pictures available, and they are just over the street so I can grab more if other features need photographing.
Contributed by James Bailey on 12 July, 2015 - 10:36pm
Last updated 13 July, 2015 - 12:25pm

Moved tentatively -- thanks, James!
Moved from Crepidodera.
… v belov, 13 July, 2015 - 12:25pm

Moved
Moved from Flea Beetles.
… v belov, 12 July, 2015 - 11:07pm

 
Thanks!
Using http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1519&context=insectamundi
it seems to key out to aereola on my photos and specimen I have with me. It also matches the figures of pronotal punctures which are apparently diagnostic and much larger and closer than other species.

Apparently aereola is the only species known to use this host plant as well and it is the most abundant species in the region by far -- so that sets a good case.

That's enough verification for my records -- whether bugguide thinks that is enough to create the page is not my call.
… James Bailey, 13 July, 2015 - 12:02am

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