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Chrysomelid Beetles are also known as Leaf Beetles.
Chrysomelids are one of the largest of the beetle families with about 2,250 species described in Australia.
Their body shape may be round, elongated or flattened and their surface may be smooth or extremely spiny. Many have spots and stripes and are brightly coloured – some are even metallic. They range in size from 1 mm to 30 mm in length.
The adults of Australian Leaf Beetles feed mostly on the leaves of Eucalyptus and Acacia. Some eat flowers while others just eat pollen. The larvae eat a huge variety of plant material - seeds, leaves (fresh or dead), bark, twigs, stems and roots.
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References:
- "Field Guide to Insects in Australia, A" by Paul Zborowski and Ross Storey; Reed New Holland (Australia) Pty Ltd; 3rd Edition; 2010; ISBN 9781877069659
- "Guide to the Beetles of Australia, A" by George Hangay and Paul Zborowski; CSIRO Publishing; Collingwood; 2010; ISBN 9780643094871
- Brisbane Insects and Spiders - Leaf Beetles - Family Chrysomelidae
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