A Colorful Gem
Chrysolina fastuosa, The Dead-nettle Leaf Beetle is a beautiful beetle that brightens the garden and meadows. Not much larger than 5 to 6 millimeters, it is known for the iridescent metallic green color of its outer shell (or carapace)—usually richly decorated with transverse bands or spots from one or more hues: blue, red and gold.
A Delicate Feeder
As its common name suggests, the Dead-nettle Leaf Beetle feeds mainly on plants of the family Lamiaceae (or Labitorythychs), like dead and hemp nettles. Both the adult and larval stages of these insects feed on plant leaves (Figure 2), causing characteristic damage. Although they can be a nuisance in gardens, their beauty usually belies what goes on at the dinner table!
Life Cycle
Dead-nettle Leaf Beetle, behaviourThe life cycle is typical of many beetles. In the case of host plants, adult females lay eggs directly. Larvae feed on a growing leaves soon after hatching. During the metamorphosis they pupate and later become adult beetles.
An Important Piece of the Puzzle
Although they are not serious pests, Dead-nettle Leaf Beetles also provide an essential function in the natural environment. They become the prey of many predators like birds and insects. Their eating can also help to curb the spread of some plants, assisting in keeping everything at a healthy equilibrium.
Conservation and Appreciation
With all of the brightly colored beetles Polistes disappoints favor, it would behoove him to refrain from pesticides in his garden as well. With a healthy and varied garden we attract these as well as other helpful insects.
The Dead-nettle Leaf Beetle. Photo: Patrick Kabanda It reminds me of how beautiful and complex the world still isDllImport( Understanding them and keeping up their insurance has allowed us to keep certain species alive for our ages.