Dead-nettle leaf beetle, these 5 mm large beetle belong to the leaf beetles and are found throughout Europe in shrubs, and forest edges.
Dead-nettle leaf beetle (Chrysolina fastuosa). This 5mm large beetle belong to the leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and are found throughout Europe in thickets, hedgerows and forest edges. They can be seen from April through August.
The shiny wing cases (elytra) color metallic blue, green, red and violet. Colors may vary from beetle to beetle, although most beetles always do have blue longitudinal stripes on the wing cases.
The Dead-nettle leaf beetle is active during the day, when it can often be found on flowering plants of the deadnettle or sage family (Labiatae), whose leaves the beetle eats. This leaf beetle is not an enthusiastic flyer. The female deposits eggs in spring on the common hemp nettle (Galeopsis tetrahit), the host plant of the Dead-nettle leaf beetle. After the eggs hatch, the larvae eat the leaves of the annual flowers of the sage family.
Where to find
- Are commonly found.
Control
The Dead-nettle leaf beetle does not belong to the pests.
Prevention
Does not apply.
