Cereal Leaf Beetle
Oulema duftschmidi/melanopus agg.
This record describes Oulema duftschmidi/melanopus agg. (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length is about 6 mm. The elytra have a green iridescent sheen and well punctuated. The 'head' is red. The two species Oulema duftschmidi and Oulema melanopus are almost impossible to separate without detailed examination. Unless the necessary detailed examination has taken place records should be submitted to this aggregate page. Adults and larvae both feed on leaves of cereal crops and may become a pest. Common and widespread in the Southern half of Britain at least.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Chrysomelidae
- Genus
- Oulema
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Feeds on grasses and cereal crops.
Seasonal Activity
Late Spring to early Autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults and larvae both feed on leaves of cereal crops and may become a pest.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in the Southern half of Britain at least.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Oulema duftschmidi/melanopus agg.. 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 Cereal Leaf Beetle (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cereal Leaf Beetle
What is Cereal Leaf Beetle?
Cereal Leaf Beetle (Oulema duftschmidi/melanopus agg.) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cereal Leaf Beetle?
is about 6 mm. The elytra have a green iridescent sheen and well punctuated. The 'head' is red.
Where is Cereal Leaf Beetle found?
Habitat: Feeds on grasses and cereal crops.
When is Cereal Leaf Beetle active?
Cereal Leaf Beetle: seasonal activity - Late Spring to early Autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Cereal Leaf Beetle?
Adults and larvae both feed on leaves of cereal crops and may become a pest.