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Leaf Beetles

Photo by LaurenZarate
Published on Project Noah
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16.7125, -92.6133

Field Notes

Description:

These Leaf Beetles are extremely destructive and can even kill a plant they are on. Surprisingly, this population demonstrated a variety of color phenotypes. 4-5 mm in length. Family Chrysomelidae. See also: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/16103178/fullscreen.

Habitat:

Abandoned field, semi-urban area, outskirts of San Cristobal de Las Casas, 2,200 meters.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (2)
LaurenZarate
Yes, thank you Jemma! I have heard the term Leaf Skeletonizer and that is sure what these are. Poor plants. I really liked your life cycle spotting. So neat you photographed all the stages. I didn't realize some leaf beetle pupae hung from the bottom of the leaves.
HemaShah
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/21209016 These are voracious eaters and are also known as leaf skeletonizing beetles.I did spot something slightly similar like yours,

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Mexico Horn of Plenty
Mission
Beetles!
Mission
National Geographic's Great Nature Project

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Photographed
PublishedJune 19, 2013

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