Leaf beetle?
April 18, 2010
Dear Bugman –
I found this lovely beetle in the peonies I bought at the farmers market. I have not been able to figure out what it is from your site or my insect books. Help would be appreciated, thanks,
Allison
Oakland, CA
Hi Allison,
You are correct that this is a Leaf Beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. We believe it is in the genus Chrysolina, probably either Chrysolina quadrigemina or Chrysolina hyperici, both of which were imported from Europe to combat weeds. See BugGuide for additional information.