Rosemary Beetle on Lavender

"Chrysolina americana can reach a length of 5–8 millimetres (0.20–0.31 in). They have a colourful elytra with metallic green and purple longitudinal stripes. The wings are quite short, so these beetles can not fly.

This species feeds on various aromatic Lamiaceae, mainly on rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) (hence the common name), lavender (Lavandula) and thyme (Thymus).

In the Mediterranean region females lay their eggs in late summer on the leaves of the host plants. The larvae show whitish to blackish bands. Larval development continues during the winter months. The pupal stage lasts about three weeks.

Despite the species name americana, this leaf beetle is native and common to eastern Europe and the Mediterranean sub-region."

Eol - Encyclopedia of Life