Brassy Willow Beetle
Phratora vitellinae
This record describes Phratora vitellinae (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
3.8 to 5.0 mm. Usually brassy/bronze but sometimes blueish or greenish. 2nd antennal segment shorter than 3rd. No depression on head between antennae. Both the adults and their larvae feed on the leaves of Willow and Poplar. Common and widespread throughout Britain. No additional images available for this species.
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
Found on Willows and Poplars.
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 Poplar.
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 vitellinae. 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 Brassy Willow Beetle (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Brassy Willow Beetle
What is Brassy Willow Beetle?
Brassy Willow Beetle (Phratora vitellinae) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Brassy Willow Beetle found?
Habitat: Found on Willows and Poplars.
When is Brassy Willow Beetle active?
Brassy Willow Beetle: seasonal activity - Found mainly in the Summer months..
What is the life cycle of a Brassy Willow Beetle?
Both the adults and their larvae feed on the leaves of Willow and Poplar.