Cherry Leaf Beetle
Tricholochmaea cavicollis
This record describes Tricholochmaea cavicollis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Larvae are dark brown with black and yellow spots; they are about 6mm long. Overwinter as adults. In spring eggs are deposited in the soil at the base of the tree. The larvae climb the tree and feed on the foliage before returning to the ground to pupate. There is 1 generation per year.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Galerucini
- Genus
- Tricholochmaea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: leaves of wild & cultivated cherries ( Prunus spp.)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tricholochmaea cavicollis LeConte 1865 cavicollis = 'concave-necked'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tricholochmaea cavicollis. 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 Cherry Leaf Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chuck Entz; Additional contributions by v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Leaf Beetle
What is Cherry Leaf Beetle?
Cherry Leaf Beetle (Tricholochmaea cavicollis) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Cherry Leaf Beetle?
Larvae are dark brown with black and yellow spots; they are about 6mm long.
What does Cherry Leaf Beetle eat?
The diet of the Cherry Leaf Beetle includes leaves of wild & cultivated cherries ( Prunus spp.).