Elm Leaf Beetle
Xanthogaleruca luteola
This record describes Xanthogaleruca luteola (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wikipedia reference for Xanthogaleruca luteola: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elm_leaf_beetle.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Galerucini
- Genus
- Xanthogaleruca
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Native to w. Palaearctic , adventive in our area (CA-FL-NS-BC)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: elms ( Ulmus )
Life History
Overwinter as adults in sheltered dry places. Hibernation can begin in August; eggs are laid in late May or early June, larve begin to hatch in about a week and feed on the undersides of leaves for 2-3 weeks, then crawl down and pupate in bark crevices. There may be 1―2 generations with a partial 3rd generation per year. The first generation is the most injurious. ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Xanthogaleruca luteola (Müller 1766)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xanthogaleruca luteola. 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 Elm Leaf Beetle (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hartmut Wisch; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche , Aaron Schusteff , David Ferguson , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Elm Leaf Beetle
How big is Elm Leaf Beetle?
6―8 mm
Where is Elm Leaf Beetle found?
Range: Native to w. Palaearctic , adventive in our area (CA-FL-NS-BC)
What does Elm Leaf Beetle eat?
The diet of the Elm Leaf Beetle includes hosts: elms ( Ulmus ).
What is the life cycle of a Elm Leaf Beetle?
Overwinter as adults in sheltered dry places. Hibernation can begin in August; eggs are laid in late May or early June, larve begin to hatch in about a week and feed on the undersides of leaves for 2-3 weeks, then crawl down and pupate in bark crevices. There may be 1―2 generations with a partial 3rd generation per year. The first generation is the most injurious. ( 4 )