Asparagus Beetle
Crioceris asparagi
This record describes Crioceris asparagi (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The beetle is just under a centimetre long, metallic blue-black in colour with cream or yellow spots on its red-bordered elytra. Found on plants that are members of the Asparagus family. Life cycle revolves around plants of the Asparagus family. Widespread in England and common where the host plants are available, less well recorded from elsewhere in Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Criocerinae
- Tribe
- Criocerini
- Genus
- Crioceris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found on plants that are members of the Asparagus family.
Seasonal Activity
June and July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Life cycle revolves around plants of the Asparagus family.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in England and common where the host plants are available, less well recorded from elsewhere in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Crioceris asparagi. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Asparagus Beetle (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Asparagus Beetle
What is Asparagus Beetle?
Asparagus Beetle (Crioceris asparagi) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Asparagus Beetle found?
Habitat: Found on plants that are members of the Asparagus family.
When is Asparagus Beetle active?
Asparagus Beetle: seasonal activity - June and July..
What is the life cycle of a Asparagus Beetle?
Life cycle revolves around plants of the Asparagus family.