COLEOPTERA > POLYPHAGA > CHRYSOMELOIDEA > Chrysomelidae > Chrysomelinae

Apart from the Alticini flea beetles, Chrysomelinae constitutes the largest taxonomic division of the leaf beetle family with 43 recorded species. They are typically oval, well rounded and shiny, often metallic, and with many species being brightly coloured. The common name of Broad-nosed Leaf Beetles applies to the subfamily as a whole, but all of the more popular and frequently described species have their own names. Apart from a couple of notable exceptions, most are associated with particular plants and have been named accordingly. 

Chrysolina americana (Rosemary Beetle)

This colourful and very distinctive species is native to southern Europe. The first record in Britain was in Surrey in 1963. By 2004/05 it had spread east into Kent and west as far as Wiltshire. Today it can be found right across the south east of the country and up into the Midlands, with further records into the west country and as far north as the Scottish borders. Gardeners usually regard it as a pest as it does have a particular liking to rosemary, but also lavender, sage and thyme.

Chrysolina banksii

A relatively large, 8-11mm, dark-brown to bronze, metallic, primarily southern species that is most likely to occur in coastal or near coastal grassland habitats. Adults and larvae feed mainly on the favoured host plant Ribwort Plantain although many are plant associations have been recorded.

Chrysolina herbacea (Mint Leaf Beetle)

A reasonably common species across much of central southern England, but elsewhere with only local and scattered distribution. The species occurs in various wetland or permanently damp habitats particularly where mint is growing.

Chrysolina polita (Knotgrass Leaf Beetle)

A common and generally widespread, small to medium-sized, 5-9mm, distinctive beetle with a metallic green head and pronotum, and reddish-brown elytra. The species occurs in various grassland habitats where there are suitable host plants, especially mints and nettles.

Gastrophysa viridula (Green Dock Beetle)

A small, 4-6mm, metallic green species that's strongly associated with dock plants, notably Broad-leaved Dock. It is both common and widespread across the country, occurring in a variety of habitats including grassland, woodland edge, wetlands, heathland and gardens.

Timarcha tenebricosa (Bloody-nosed Beetle)

The largest chrysomelid species at 11-18mm, so named due to the defensive behaviour of being able to exude small amounts of bright red haemolymph from their mouths when alarmed, which is both pungent and foul-tasting to predators, although harmless to humans. They are entirely dull black, although often with a blueish lustre, and have a distinctive appearance both in terms of body shape and appendages. They favour open habitats, especiallycalcareousgrassland, and are regarded as being both common and widespread across central and southern counties.

Updated, Jan.25 (v.3)