Chrysolina americana

Chrysolina americana

Rosemary beetle

Kingdom
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Genus
SPECIES
Chrysolina americana

Chrysolina americana, common name rosemary beetle, is a species of beetle belonging to the family Chrysomelidae.

Appearance

Chrysolina americana can reach a length of 5–8 millimetres (0.20–0.31 in). They have colourful elytra with metallic green and purple longitudinal stripes. The wings are quite short, so these beetles can fly for short distances, but most tend to walk.

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This species feeds on various aromatic Lamiaceae, mainly on rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) (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. The imago is released in the spring.

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Distribution

Geography

Despite the species name americana, this leaf beetle is native and common to southern Europe, North Africa, the Near East and the Middle East.

Habits and Lifestyle

Diet and Nutrition

Population

References

1. Chrysolina americana Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysolina_americana

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