Chrysolina hyperici
This record describes Chrysolina hyperici (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Around 5mm in length. The elytra have a maroon/purple iridescent sheen and a domed appearance, studded by tiny dimples. Associated with Perforate St John's Wort ( Hypericum perforatum ). The larvae feed during the night on shoot tips and basal and developing leaves of St. John's Wort and the adults feed in clusters during the day on flower buds and terminal leaves. Up to 2,000 eggs are laid on the basal leaves in the autumn and the larvae hatch in spring, feed up and then pupate in soil. The adults emerge in June/July and some overwinter as well as the eggs. This species is fairly common throughout England with the main concentration of records coming from the south.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Chrysomelinae
- Tribe
- Chrysomelini
- Genus
- Chrysolina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Associated with Perforate St John's Wort (
Seasonal Activity
Mid to late summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed during the night on shoot tips and basal and developing leaves of St. John's Wort and the adults feed in clusters during the day on flower buds and terminal leaves. Up to 2,000 eggs are laid on the basal leaves in the autumn and the larvae hatch in spring, feed up and then pupate in soil. The adults emerge in June/July and some overwinter as well as the eggs.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This species is fairly common throughout England with the main concentration of records coming from the south.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chrysolina hyperici. 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 Chrysolina hyperici (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysolina hyperici
What is Chrysolina hyperici?
Chrysolina hyperici is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Chrysolina hyperici found?
Habitat: Associated with Perforate St John's Wort (
When is Chrysolina hyperici active?
Chrysolina hyperici: seasonal activity - Mid to late summer..
What is the life cycle of a Chrysolina hyperici?
The larvae feed during the night on shoot tips and basal and developing leaves of St. John's Wort and the adults feed in clusters during the day on flower buds and terminal leaves. Up to 2,000 eggs are laid on the basal leaves in the autumn and the larvae hatch in spring, feed up and then pupate in soil. The adults emerge in June/July and some overwinter as well as the eggs.