Mint Leaf Beetle
Chrysolina herbacea
This record describes Chrysolina herbacea (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Up to 10 mm long. The whole body is an iridescent green colour and peppered with tiny indentations. Peak time seems to be August and September. Both the larvae and the adult beetles feed on mint. Found mainly in the south and up to the Midlands of England and Wales. A few sightings in Scotland.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Chrysomelidae
- Genus
- Chrysolina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Nearly always found on mint.
Seasonal Activity
Peak time seems to be August and September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Both the larvae and the adult beetles feed on mint.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Found mainly in the south and up to the Midlands of England and Wales. A few sightings in Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chrysolina herbacea. 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 Mint Leaf Beetle (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mint Leaf Beetle
What is Mint Leaf Beetle?
Mint Leaf Beetle (Chrysolina herbacea) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Mint Leaf Beetle found?
Habitat: Nearly always found on mint.
When is Mint Leaf Beetle active?
Mint Leaf Beetle: seasonal activity - Peak time seems to be August and September..
What is the life cycle of a Mint Leaf Beetle?
Both the larvae and the adult beetles feed on mint.