Celery Leaf Beetle
Phaedon tumidulus
This record describes Phaedon tumidulus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
3 to 4mm. Variable, usually dark blue or dark green with a brassy metallic lustre. Elliptical and convex with a transverse pronotum that strongly narrows at the front. The elytral punctures are spaced out, roughly 4x the size of each puncture. P. tumidulus is distinguished from the other three Phaedon species by the pronotal disc being sparcely and very finely punctured. Woodland, parkland, wasteland and domestic gardens where umbellifers are present. Common throughout England, Wales and southern Scotland with only scattered records north of Edinburgh-Glasgow.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Chrysomelidae
- Genus
- Phaedon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodland, parkland, wasteland and domestic gardens where umbellifers are present.
Seasonal Activity
Spring and summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Feeds on plants in the
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common throughout England, Wales and southern Scotland with only scattered records north of Edinburgh-Glasgow.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phaedon tumidulus. 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 Celery Leaf Beetle (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Celery Leaf Beetle
What is Celery Leaf Beetle?
Celery Leaf Beetle (Phaedon tumidulus) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Celery Leaf Beetle?
of each puncture.
Where is Celery Leaf Beetle found?
Habitat: Woodland, parkland, wasteland and domestic gardens where umbellifers are present.
When is Celery Leaf Beetle active?
Celery Leaf Beetle: seasonal activity - Spring and summer..
What is the life cycle of a Celery Leaf Beetle?
Feeds on plants in the