Red poplar leaf beetle (Chrysomela populi)

Red Poplar Leaf Beetle (Chrysomela populi)

Family: Chrysomelidae
Subfamily: Chrysomelinae
Common names: Red poplar leaf beetle, Poplar leaf beetle


🐞 Identification

  • Size: 9–13 mm in length
  • Color:
    • Elytra (wing covers): Bright red to orange-red, sometimes slightly glossy
    • Pronotum and head: Deep black or dark blue, creating a strong contrast
  • Shape: Broadly oval, slightly convex body
  • Antennae: Relatively short and segmented

This striking red beetle is easily visible on its preferred host plants, often in clusters.


🌿 Habitat

  • Found in forests, riparian woodlands, tree-lined avenues, and parks
  • Strongly associated with poplars and willows, especially:
    • Black poplar (Populus nigra)
    • White poplar (Populus alba)
    • Aspen (Populus tremula)
    • Willow (Salix spp.)

🍃 Diet

  • Adults and larvae feed on the leaves of poplar and willow trees
    • Skeletonize the leaves by eating soft tissues, leaving veins intact
    • Can cause significant defoliation during outbreaks
See also  Chequered Skipper

🔁 Life Cycle

  • Overwinters as an adult in leaf litter or under bark
  • Breeding season: Begins in spring (April–May)
  • Eggs: Laid in clusters on the underside of leaves
  • Larvae:
    • Black with a slightly rough texture
    • Feed gregariously on leaves
  • Pupation: Occurs on or near host plants
  • One to two generations per year, depending on climate

🌍 Distribution

  • Widespread in Europe, extending into:
    • Western and Central Asia
    • North Africa
    • Introduced in parts of North America
  • Especially common in temperate regions with ample poplar trees

🧬 Ecological Role

  • Plays a role in regulating poplar tree growth, though heavy infestations may stress trees
  • Prey for insectivorous birds, parasitic wasps, and predatory beetles

❗ Potential Impact

  • In plantations or urban areas, large populations can damage ornamental or commercial poplars
  • Rarely fatal to trees, but may reduce vigor and photosynthetic capacity
See also  Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

✅ Fun Facts

  • The beetle’s bright coloration may serve as aposematic (warning) coloration, deterring predators
  • When disturbed, it can emit a foul-smelling chemical as a defense mechanism

The Red Poplar Leaf Beetle (Chrysomela populi) is a bold, beautiful, and ecologically significant leaf beetle with a specialized diet and a preference for riparian and urban woodlands.

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