Viburnum Beetle
Pyrrhalta viburni
This record describes Pyrrhalta viburni (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A small golden brown beetle (about 5 mm long), nearly always associated with plants of the Viburnum family. On Viburnum plants, such as Guelder Rose, but also feeds on the Wayfaring Tree and garden varieties. Adult beetles emerge in July and August. The beetle's creamy white larvae cause damage to the leaves in early summer, before pupating in the ground. The adults also feed on the leaves before laying their eggs on the tips of young shoots. This species is common over much of England.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Galerucini
- Genus
- Pyrrhalta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
On Viburnum plants, such as Guelder Rose, but also feeds on the Wayfaring Tree and garden varieties.
Seasonal Activity
Adult beetles emerge in July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The beetle's creamy white larvae cause damage to the leaves in early summer, before pupating in the ground. The adults also feed on the leaves before laying their eggs on the tips of young shoots.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This species is common over much of England.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pyrrhalta viburni. 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 Viburnum Beetle (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Viburnum Beetle
What is Viburnum Beetle?
Viburnum Beetle (Pyrrhalta viburni) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Viburnum Beetle found?
Habitat: On Viburnum plants, such as Guelder Rose, but also feeds on the Wayfaring Tree and garden varieties.
When is Viburnum Beetle active?
Viburnum Beetle: seasonal activity - Adult beetles emerge in July and August..
What is the life cycle of a Viburnum Beetle?
The beetle's creamy white larvae cause damage to the leaves in early summer, before pupating in the ground. The adults also feed on the leaves before laying their eggs on the tips of young shoots.