Brooklime Leaf Beetle
Prasocuris junci
This record describes Prasocuris junci (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Size: 4 to 5 mm. Prasocuris junci is a very dark metallic blue or occasionally dark green beetle. Water margins where Brooklime ( Veronica beccabunga ) and Water-speedwells are present. Prasocuris junci grazes on leaves of Brooklime and Water-speedwells, but is also occasionally found on other plants such as Fool's Water-cress. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Chrysomelidae
- Genus
- Prasocuris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Water margins where Brooklime (
Seasonal Activity
Late March to early September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Prasocuris junci
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Prasocuris junci. 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 Brooklime Leaf Beetle (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Brooklime Leaf Beetle
What is Brooklime Leaf Beetle?
Brooklime Leaf Beetle (Prasocuris junci) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Brooklime Leaf Beetle?
4 to 5 mm. Prasocuris junci is a very dark metallic blue or occasionally dark green beetle.
Where is Brooklime Leaf Beetle found?
Habitat: Water margins where Brooklime (
When is Brooklime Leaf Beetle active?
Brooklime Leaf Beetle: seasonal activity - Late March to early September..
What is the life cycle of a Brooklime Leaf Beetle?
Prasocuris junci