Green Dock Beetle
Gastrophysa viridula
This record describes Gastrophysa viridula (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 4 to 6 mm. A small green-golden beetle the elytra often seem to have a sheen. Usually found on Dock plants, it can be seen anywhere that Dock is present, such as roadside verges and field margins. It is often seen near to water. The gravid female is very noticeable. Her body becomes so swollen that the wing cases are totally displaced. The larvae feed on Dock leaves.
Wikipedia reference for Gastrophysa viridula: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastrophysa_viridula.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Chrysomelidae
- Genus
- Gastrophysa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually found on Dock plants, it can be seen anywhere that Dock is present, such as roadside verges and field margins. It is often seen near to water.
Seasonal Activity
May and June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The gravid female is very noticeable. Her body becomes so swollen that the wing cases are totally displaced. The larvae feed on Dock leaves.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Gastrophysa viridula. 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 Green Dock Beetle (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Dock Beetle
What is Green Dock Beetle?
Green Dock Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Green Dock Beetle?
4 to 6 mm. A small green-golden beetle the elytra often seem to have a sheen.
Where is Green Dock Beetle found?
Habitat: Usually found on Dock plants, it can be seen anywhere that Dock is present, such as roadside verges and field margins. It is often seen near to water.
When is Green Dock Beetle active?
Green Dock Beetle: seasonal activity - May and June..
What is the life cycle of a Green Dock Beetle?
The gravid female is very noticeable. Her body becomes so swollen that the wing cases are totally displaced. The larvae feed on Dock leaves.