Featured speciesText © K. Reißmann, T. Hörren, M. Stern, F. Bötzl and C. Benisch
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22.11.2024
Donacia sparganii Ahr., 1810
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22 
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The 7 to 8 mm large Aquatic Leaf Beetle Donacia sparganii (family Chrysomelidae) is widespread in Northern and Central Europe. The origin of the beetle's scientific name is its host plant Sparganium simplex (Sparganiaceae), on which both the beetle and its larvae feed and develop. Due to severe habitat loss over the recent years, Donacia sparganii has become increasingly rare and is regarded as vulnerable in Germany. Most of the loss of diversified reeds is due to water pollution and enrichment with nitrogen compounds (e.g. from fertilizers). But also the increasing use by fishers, surfers and other visitors caused destructions to those habitats. (KR)
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09.08.2024
Epitrix atropae Foudr., 1860
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15
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The tiny Belladonna flea beetle is only 1.5-2 mm long and belongs to the leaf beetles (family Chrysomelidae). The stenotopic species is known to occur in Western and Central Europe. In Germany it is not recorded from the northern and eastern Federal States. Epitrix atropae can be found in forests, on clear cuttings and glades, where its host, belladonna (Atropa belladonna) grows. Occasionally the species is recorded from henbane (Hyoscyamus) and boxthorn (Lycium). The beetles are phyllophagous and cause characteristic feeding traces on the foliage. The larvae develop on the roots below the ground. If disturbed, the beetles escape swiftly with a huge jump (name of the subfamily!). (CB)
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05.04.2024
Lachnaia sexpunctata (Scop., 1763)
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24
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The 9 to 13 mm large leaf beetle Lachnaia sexpunctata (family Chrysomelidae) is the only representative of the genus in our fauna. The genus comprises 20 species in the western Palearctic und two in the Afrotropical region. It is most speciose in the Mediterranean region. Lachnaia sexpunctata is known to occur from Northeast France over Southern Germany and Southeast Europe to Asia minor. The stenotopic, xerothermophilous species can be found on sun-exposed dry and warm slopes, especially of volcanic origin. It is polyphagous and lives on exposed branches of oak (Quercus), but also on hazel (Corylus) and willow species (Salix). The male exhibits conspicuous large legs and tarsi. In Germany, the species is confined to the southern half of the country and is regarded as endangered (RL 2). (CB)
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26.01.2024
Chrysomela vigintipunctata Scop., 1763
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21
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The 6.5 to 8.5 mm large spotted willow leaf beetle Chrysomela vigintipunctata (family Chrysomelidae) is one of seven representatives of the otherwise holarctic genus in Germany. The distribution of Chrysomela vigintipunctata ranges from Eastern France to Japan. The stenotopic, ripicolous beetles can be found from April to August in forests near waterbodies on willow, less often on birch and alder. Both the beetles and their larvae feed on the leaves of their host plants. The larvae skeletonize leaves, especially at the edges and have a tendency to aggregate. They can cause economic damage in tree nurseries when willows and alder are attacked there. The species is recorded from almost all regions of Germany and is regarded as not endangered. (CB)
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10.11.2023
Oreina alpestris (Schumm., 1843)
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23
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The 7 to 11 mm large leaf beetle Oreina alpestris (family Chrysomelidae) is closely related with the speciose genus Chrysolina. The characteristics for the separation of the two genera are gradual and not fully selective. Most representatives of the genus require dissection for determination of the species. Oreina alpestris prefers forests of the mountain range of Europe, with the exception of Fennoscandia. They live on various plants of the parsley family (Apiaceae), where both beetles and larvae feed on the leaves, among others cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris), hairy chervil (Chaerophyllum hirsutum), Alpine Sow-thistle (Cicerbita alpina) and hedge-leaved adenostyle (Adenostyles alliariae). In the western, northern and eastern part of Germany the species is missing in the lowland. It is regarded as not endangered. (CB)
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08.09.2023
Donacia reticulata Gyll., 1817
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19
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The 7.5 to 11 mm large reed beetle Donacia reticulata (family Chrysomelidae) is one of approx. 20 representatives of the Holarctic genus in our fauna. Globally, Donacia comprises approx. 80 species, which are sometimes not easy to determine. Donacia reticulate is known to occur in Northwest Africa and Southwest Europe (Portugal, Spain, France, Netherlands, Italy, Slovenia, Austria and Croatia). Until recently, in Germany only existed old records from Bavaria and the species was regarded as missing or extinct (RL 0). Meanwhile, it has been newly discovered in the North Rhine region. The stenotopic, hygrophilous and graminicolous species lives on simplestem bur-reed (Sparganium erectum) and on common bulrush (Typha latifolia), some authors also cite sedges (Carex) as host plant. (CB)
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12.05.2023
Sclerophaedon orbicularis (Suffr., 1851)
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25
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The 3 to 4.5 mm large leaf beetle Sclerophaedon orbicularis (family Chrysomelidae) lives a secluded life, and is not often discovered. The genus Sclerophaedon displays a marked montane distribution and comprises only three species, two of which are present in our fauna. Sclerophaedon orbicularis inhabits cool moist upland valleys of Central Europe and has been recorded in many mountain ranges in Germany. It lives on waterlogged sites such as muddy banks of small forest streams. The species develops on Water Chickweed (Myosoton aquaticum) and Wood Stitchwort (Stellaria nemorum) which grow in such locations. Both beetles and their larvae can be found from May to July. Sclerophaedon orbicularis is not recorded very often, but is not considered endangered. (MS)
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03.03.2023
Chrysolina americana (L., 1758)
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21
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The 6 to 8 mm large Rosemary beetle Chrysolina americana (family Chrysomelidae) originates from the Mediterranean region despite its scientific name. It belongs to the speciose genus Chrysolina, which comprises about 450 species, the majority of the in the Palearctic. The stenotopic, xerothermophilous species has been introduced over the last years in several European countries und is meanwhile established on the British Isles. In Germany, it is still regarded as not firmly established. Both the beetles and their larvae live on various Lamiaceae, especially rosemary (Rosmarinus), lavender (Lavandula), thyme (Thymus) and sage (Salvia). They feed on the new shoot tips of their host plant and cause them to die. The larvae pupate in the soil. They are regarded as a pest in commercial herbs cultivation. (CB)
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03.06.2022
Timarcha tenebricosa (F., 1775)
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20
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The 12 to 18 mm large bloody-nosed beetle Timarcha tenebricosa (family Chrysomelidae) is one of three species in the genus in Germany. Worldwide more than 100 species have been described from three subgenera, most of them in the Palearctic, a few in the Nearctic. The eurytopic, herbicolous Timarcha tenebricosa occurs in Southern and Central Europe. It prefers dry edges of forests and meadows, sunny meadows alongside rivers and creeks, dry slopes and vineyards. The oligophagous species develops on bedstraws (Galium). When disturbed, they exude a bright orange fluid from their mouth, hence their common name. The male exhibits enlarged tarsi, which allow it to cling firmly to the female when mating. In Germany, records are only known from the South and the West and the species is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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08.04.2022
Hispa atra L., 1767
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24
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The 3 to 4 mm large prickly leaf beetle Hispa atra (family Chrysomelidae) is the only representative of the genus in Germany and in Europe. Worldwide the tribe Hispini comprises more than 600 species in 20 genera in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. The eurytopic, xerothermophilous Hispa atra is of palearctic distribution from Europe to Mongolia, Tibet and China. The beetles prefer dry, sparse grassland, calcareous and semi-arid grassland, heathland, dry slopes, dry meadows and lynchets as well as sandy river meadows, banks and quarries. The larvae are miners in various grasses, especially meadow-grass (Poa), crested-wheat grasses (Agropyron), oats (Avena) and catstail (Phleum). In Germany, the species is recorded from all Federal States and is not endangered. It can be easily found by using a sweep net. (CB)
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21.01.2022
Donacia marginata Hoppe, 1795
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22
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The 8 to 11 mm large leaf beetle Donacia marginata (family Chrysomelidae) is one of 20 partially quite similar representatives of the holarctic genus in Germany. Worldwide, more than 80 species from three subgenera have been described. Donacia marginata is known to occur from North Africa over Europe to Central Asia. The stenotopic, hygrophilous species can be found from April to June on muddy edges of ponds and lakes, rarely of flowing waters. It is monophagous and lives on branched bur-reed (Sparganium erectum). The larvae develop on the roots of the host plant under water. They get their breathing air from the host plant. The adult beetles feed on leaves and blossoms of the host. In Germany, the species is recorded from all Federal States and is not endangered. (CB)
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03.09.2021
Lilioceris merdigera (L., 1758)
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14
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The 6 to 8 mm large leaf beetle Lilioceris merdigera (family Chrysomelidae) is one of three species of the genus currently occurring in Germany. It can be distinguished from the similar sister species Lilioceris lilii by the red head and legs. The species is of palearctic distribution. It can be found from May to September in forests, gardens and parks. Both beetles and larvae feed on the leaves of plants from the lily and leek family, e.g. Lily of the Valley, Turk's cap lily as well as ramsons, onion and garlic. In cultures of the latter it can become a pest. When disturbed, the beetles can produce chirping sounds by means of an abdominal stridulatory apparatus. The larvae cover themselves with a protective case of their own excrements. In Germany, Liliceris merdigera is everywhere present and is not endangered. (CB)
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05.03.2021
Gonioctena decemnotata (Marsh., 1802)
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24
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The 5.5 to 7.5 mm large leaf beetle Gonioctena decemnotata (family Chrysomelidae) belongs to the more common representatives of the eleven species of the genus in Germany. With its black and red coloration and the entirely red legs it is still relatively easy to determine – contrary the many other species in the genus. The eurytopic species lives in Northern and Central Europe in deciduous and riparian forests. Both beetles and larvae feed on the leaves of poplar (Populus) and willow (Salix). The female exhibits brood care behavior, which is rare among leaf beetles: It resides at the stem of the leaf on which its larvae feed, and tries to fend off predators like ladybirds and ants. In Germany, recent records of Gonioctena decemnotata are known from virtually all Federal States and the species is not endangered. (CB)
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11.09.2020
Pachybrachis picus Weise, 1882
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21
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The 3 to 3.8 mm large Scriptured Leaf Beetle Pachybrachis (family Chrysomelidae) belongs to the species-rich genus Pachybrachis, which can be subdivided in the subgenera Pachybrachis s. str. and Chloropachys. The genus Pachybrachys s. str. comprises around 200 species in the Nearctic and 150 in the Palearctic, thereof 51 in Europe and 7 in Germany. Pachybrachis picus occurs in southern Central Europe, from North Spain over Central France and South Germany to Hungary and Central Italy. It prefers warm slopes, sun-exposed edges of forests and sunny river meadows. The stenotopic, thermophilous species develops on hazel (Corylus) and shrubs of the rose family (Rosaceae). In Germany, P. picus is missing in the northern half and is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). The determination of the species is often not easy. (CB)
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10.07.2020
Galeruca interrupta Ill., 1802
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18
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The 6 to 9 mm large leaf beetle Galeruca interrupta (family Chrysomelidae) is one of six representatives of the genus in Germany. It can be distinguished from the sister species by the strongly and intermittently ribbed elytra as well as the flat front angles of the pronotum. The stenotopic, xerophilic species prefers heathland, sandy areas in fens and dry, sandy fallow land. Several subspecies have been described: The monophagous ssp. interrupta develops on field wormwood (Artemisia campestris), the oligophagous ssp. circumdata on Tall Pepperwort (Lepidium graminifolium) and Hoary Cress (Lepidium draba). Galeruca interrupta is of Western Palearctic distribution, from Spain to Central Asia. In Germany, no recent records are known from a number of Federal States and the species is regarded as endangered (RL 2). (CB)
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17.04.2020
Cryptocephalus coryli (L., 1758)
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45
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The 6 to 7 mm large Hazel pot beetle Cryptocephalus coryli (family Chrysomelidae) belongs to the larger representatives of the approx. 50 species of the genus in Germany. Its distribution ranges from Spain over Central Europe and Russia to Siberia till Korea. The stenotopic, thermophilic species prefers warm slopes and sun-exposed edges of forests. It develops mainly in hazel (Corylus) and birch (Betula). After egg deposition, the females cover the eggs with their own dung and drop them into the leaf litter underneath the bush. After hatching, the larvae continue to add to the pot from their own droppings. When threatened, the larvae retreat into the pot and also hibernate in the pot. In Germany, Cryptocephalus coryli is recorded from most Federal States, but is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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27.12.2019
Cryptocephalus primarius Har., 1872
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23
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The 4.5 to 7 mm large pot beetle Cryptocephalus primarius (family Chrysomelidae) is among the larger representatives of the 52 Cryptocephalus species currently recorded in Germany. It is known to occur on the Iberian Peninsula, in France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic and on one site on the British Isles. The stenotopic, xerothermophilous species lives in warm habitats only, e.g. calcareous grassland on dry, warm sheltered hillsides. The beetles are phyllophagous and feed on common rock rose (Helianthemum nummularium). The larvae develop in the ground in leaf litter below shrubs, preferably hazel (Corylus avellana). In Germany, C. primarius reaches the northern border of its territory in Thuringia and the Rhineland and is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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01.11.2019
Mantura chrysanthemi (Koch, 1803)
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13
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The only 1.8 to 2.5 mm large flea beetle Mantura chrysanthemi (family Chrysomelidae) is one of six representatives of the genus in Germany. The main distribution range is Europe (without the southernmost regions) and Northern Asia (without China). Furthermore the species is adventive in the USA and Canada. As a stenotopic, xerophilous and halotolerant species Mantura chrysanthemi lives on heathland, steppe, dunes, dry mountain slopes and banks, and on ruderal sites. The species develops oligophagously on Sheep's Sorrel (Rumex acetosella), but also on French Sorrel (Rumex scutatus) and Common Knotgrass (Polygonum aviculare). The larva mines in the leaves. Mantura chrysanthemi is recorded from all Federal States and is not endangered. (CB)
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17.05.2019
Chrysolina staphylaea (L., 1758)
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26
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The 6 to 9 mm large Brown Mint Leaf Beetle Chysolina staphylaea (family Chrysomelidae) is one of 30 species of the genus currently known to occur in Germany. The distribution ranges from Western Europe (except Spain) into the east (Asia). In the late 19th century the beetle was also introduced into North America and is established in Canada today. The eurytopic, halotolerant species lives on marshy meadows alongside creeks and at the edges of wet forests. Chrysolina staphylaea is oligophagous and develops on mint (Mentha) and plaintains (Plantago), occasionally on Melissa and basil (Ocimum). They can be found already early in spring in hay and plant detritus. The species is known to occur throughout Germany and is not regarded as endangered. (CB)
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22.03.2019
Gonioctena fornicata Brüggemann, 1873
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25
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The Lucerne beetle Gonioctena fornicata (family Chrysomelidae) has been recorded for the German fauna for the first time in 2003. Gonioctena fornicata is one of twelve representatives of the genus in Germany, which are very similar to each other. Originally, the species is an element of the pontic fauna with xerothermic habitat requirements. Probably the species has been introduced to Baden-Württemberg with ship transports on river Rhine and its tributaries and is meanwhile established in the Upper Rhine valley. Adults and larvae of the 5 to 7 mm large species live on Lucerne (alfalfa, Medicago) and clover (Trifolium) and are classified as pests. In the US the species has been introduced several times with transports and is regarded as quarantine pest. (KR/CB)
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25.01.2019
Oreina cacaliae (Schrk., 1785)
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26
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Together with other representatives of the genus Oreina the 7.5 to 10 mm large alpine leaf beetle Oreina cacaliae is among the large leaf beetles (family Chrysomelidae) in Central Europe. In Germany the genus is present in the Alps, a few species have also been recorded from the Black Forest and in the Bavarian Forest. Most of the species are of bright and shiny metallic and extraordinarily variable coloration, which makes their determination pretty difficult. Oreina cacaliae is known to occur in the mountain range of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg as well as in Saxony. The beetles feed first on Alpine Butterbur (Petasites paradoxus) and later switch to Adenostyles alliariae, on which their larvae develop. (KR)
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30.11.2018
Hippuriphila modeeri (L., 1761)
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17
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The 2 to 2.5 mm large Horsetail Flea Beetle Hippuriphila modeeri (family Chrysomelidae) is the only palearctic representative of the genus. The bronze colored, shiny metallic beetle with yellow spot towards the apex of the elytra is distributed throughout whole Europe and can be easily determined. Hippuriphila modeeri is stenotopic and hygrophilic, the species can be found in swamps, damp meadows and on the edges of forests, on brooksides and in floodplains. Both adults and larvae are monophagous and live on Common Horsetail (Equisetum arvense). During winter the beetle can be found by flood detritus sifting. In Germany, there are recent records from virtually all Federal States and the species is not regarded as endangered. (CB)
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12.10.2018
Cassida subreticulata Suffr., 1844
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21
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The 4 to 5 mm large tortoise beetle Cassida subreticulata (family Chrysomelidae) is one of 25 representatives of the genus Cassida currently recorded for Germany. Their flattened, oval body shape with the head hidden underneath the pronotum is rather uncommon for a leaf beetle. Cassida subreticulata is known to occur from Central and Southeastern Europe to Siberia. There are no records from North Germany. The stenotopic, xerophilic species prefers heathland, dry slopes and sunny grassland as habitats. It develops oligophagously on Common Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis), Garden Pink (Dianthus plumarius) and campion (Silene, Lychnis). In the Red List of Germany Cassida subreticulata is classified as critically endangered (RL 1). (CB)
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10.08.2018
Crioceris duodecimpunctata (L., 1758)
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22
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In Germany four species of the genus Crioceris (family Chrysomelidae) are known to occur. Their vernacular name Asparagus beetle indicates host plant Asparagus officinalis, on which the species develop. When disturbed, the beetles can produce a clearly audible, chirping sound. All species exhibit colorful elytra with pretty variable markings. The 5 to 6.5 mm large species C. duodecimpunctata is the most common species in Germany, together with C. asparagi, with recent records from all regions. C. quinquepunctata and C. quatuordecimpunctata are only known to occur in the south-east and the north-east respectively. During their activity period from May to July, the beetles can be observed on Asparagus plants, also in Asparagus cultivations, where the beetle is regarded as pest. (KR/CB)
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30.03.2018
Pachnephorus pilosus (Rossi, 1790)
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24
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The distribution of the 2.5 to 3.5 mm large leaf beetle Pachnephorus pilosus (family Chrysomelidae) spreads from Southern Europe to Central Europe. The genus Pachnephorus is represented in Southern Europe by about two dozen species, whereas in Germany only two species are present. Pachnephorus pilosus is significantly more common than the other species, and is known to occur all over Germany except the northern Federal States, but very localized and rare. The terricolous beetles live in open, sunny locations on muddy-loamy, sandy soil, often near ditches and other moist habitats under lower plants. They graze on sparse moss floors thriving on the moist, loamy-sandy soil. In the Red List of Germany the species is classified as endangered (RL 2). (KR/CB)
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