Blue Willow Beetle
Phratora vulgatissima
This record describes Phratora vulgatissima (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
4-5mm. Usually blue and shiny, but despite the common name it can vary in colour from blue/green to bronze/black. It is generally oblong in shape with a pronotum that has parallel sides and a fine basal margin. Legs and antennae are dark. The elytra have ragged punctate striae and are rugose at the sides, particularly at the front. There is a lateral keel that extends at least two thirds of the way along the elytra. Usually found on Willow and Aspen, but may venture onto other plants. Both the adults and their larvae feed on the leaves of Willow and in some areas can be pest. Common and widespread throughout Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Chrysomelidae
- Genus
- Phratora
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually found on Willow and Aspen, but may venture onto other plants.
Seasonal Activity
Found mainly in the summer months.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Both the adults and their larvae feed on the leaves of Willow and in some areas can be pest.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread throughout Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phratora vulgatissima. 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 Blue Willow Beetle (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Willow Beetle
What is Blue Willow Beetle?
Blue Willow Beetle (Phratora vulgatissima) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Blue Willow Beetle?
of elytra
Where is Blue Willow Beetle found?
Habitat: Usually found on Willow and Aspen, but may venture onto other plants.
When is Blue Willow Beetle active?
Blue Willow Beetle: seasonal activity - Found mainly in the summer months..
What is the life cycle of a Blue Willow Beetle?
Both the adults and their larvae feed on the leaves of Willow and in some areas can be pest.