Imported Willow Leaf Beetle
Plagiodera versicolora (Laicharting, 1781)
Imported Willow Leaf Beetle: https://marylandbiodiversity.com/species/20213
Synonyms
Tags
Non-native

Map Snapshot

9 Records

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Status

Probably more common than what our paucity of records indicate. Has the potential to be found wherever there are willows or poplars.

Description

Small (3mm) greenish-black beetle with punctures across the elytra. Larva are small (5-8mm), shiny, and grub-like with a tapering abdomen, often feeding in groups on willow leaves.

Where To Find

Generally found in wet environments where willows are found.

Relationships

Feeds almost exclusively on the foliage of willows. Has also been found on poplars.

Seasonality Snapshot

Resources

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Source: Wikipedia

Plagiodera versicolora
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Chrysomelidae
Genus: Plagiodera
Species:
P. versicolora
Binomial name
Plagiodera versicolora

Plagiodera versicolora is a species of leaf beetle (subfamily Chrysomelinae) in the genus Plagiodera.[1]

Description

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Plagiodera versicolora grows to 2.5 - 4.8 mm in length and is metallic blue or green, occasionally purplish to black in colour.[2]

Habitat

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Plagiodera versicolora lives in various habitats, but usually near water.[2] Adults feed on leaves and pollen of willow and poplar trees, especially Salix fragilis ('crack willow').[2][3] It is predated by the shieldbug Zicrona caerulea, several ladybird species and the larva of a hoverfly (Parasyrphus sp.).

Life cycle

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Adults overwinter under logs, loose bark and among vegetable litter near the host plant and become active during April.[4] Fully developed larvae may be found from June onwards and pupation occurs under the leaves of the host plant.[4] Freshly emerged adults occur from mid-July and fly in hot weather, occasionally found far from their hosts, especially along river margins.[4]

Distribution

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It is fairly common in central and southern England, with scattered records from Wales and Ireland and no records from Scotland.[2] It has been introduced in North America.[5]

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  • Plagiodera versicolora
    Plagiodera versicolora
  • Larva and adults
    Larva and adults

References

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  1. ^ "Plagiodera Dejean, 1837". National Biodiversity Network. Retrieved 2017-01-24.
  2. ^ a b c d "Plagiodera versicolora (Laicharting, 1781)". Coleoptera.org. Retrieved 2017-01-24.
  3. ^ Hubble, David (2012). Keys to the Adults of Seed and Leaf Beetles of Britain and Ireland. Field Studies Council. p. 52. ISBN 9781908819086.
  4. ^ a b c "Plagiodera versicolora (Laicharting, 1781)". Watford Coleopter Group. Retrieved 2017-01-24.
  5. ^ Bugguide.net. Species Plagiodera versicolora - Imported Willow Leaf Beetle
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