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

🔁 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

✅ 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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