Mustard Beetle
Phaedon cochleariae
This record describes Phaedon cochleariae (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
3 to 4 mm. Elongate oval and metallic blue in colour. Humeral calli are distinct (bulges at the front of the pronotum). The antennae are black except for the underside of the first two segments which are yellow/orange. Found around most wetland areas, but also in other habitats. They feed on a variety of plants, but generally on brassicas, garlic mustard etc. Peak time is June and July but adults are found throughout the year, during the winter under debris, loose bark and deep within grass tussocks, especially near water. Larvae feed on various cress and mustard species. Fairly common and widely distributed throughout Britain although records are scattered north of southern Scotland. No additional images available for this species.
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
Found around most wetland areas, but also in other habitats. They feed on a variety of plants, but generally on brassicas, garlic mustard etc.
Seasonal Activity
Peak time is June and July but adults are found throughout the year, during the winter under debris, loose bark and deep within grass tussocks, especially near water.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae feed on various cress and mustard species.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common and widely distributed throughout Britain although records are scattered north of southern Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phaedon cochleariae. 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 Mustard Beetle (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mustard Beetle
What is Mustard Beetle?
Mustard Beetle (Phaedon cochleariae) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Mustard Beetle found?
Habitat: Found around most wetland areas, but also in other habitats. They feed on a variety of plants, but generally on brassicas, garlic mustard etc.
When is Mustard Beetle active?
Mustard Beetle: seasonal activity - Peak time is June and July but adults are found throughout the year, during the winter under debris, loose bark and deep within grass tussocks, especially near water..
What is the life cycle of a Mustard Beetle?
Larvae feed on various cress and mustard species.