Phratora vitellinae
The Brassy willow beetle (Phratora vitellinae), formerly Phyllodecta vitellinae, is a beetle of the family Chrysomelidae.
Brassy willow leaf beetle | |
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Phratora vitellinae | |
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Species: | P. vitellinae |
Binomial name | |
Phratora vitellinae | |
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Description
Phratora vitellinae can reach a length of about 3.5–5.2 millimetres (0.14–0.20 in).[2] Body is domed and elongated. Elytra show longitudinal rows of clearly visible dots. The basic color is black with a metallic shine, usually bronze, but sometimes copper, blue or dark green. This species can be distinguished from P. vulgatissima by the latter more commonly displaying blue nuances.[3]
Distribution
This species is present throughout Europe from Ireland to Northern Russia up to Kamchatka.[1][4]
Habitat
Brassy willow beetlecan be found on aspen and various willow (Salix) species in fens, carrs, wet forests, hedge rows [2] and on river banks. It is also commonly found in willow plantations in agricultural landscapes.
Biology
Adults can be found from May to September.[2] This species is herbivorous and commonly foraging on different willow species. It overwinters in cracks in tree bark of larger trees.[3][5]
References
- European Chrysomelidae
- Commanster
- Insectoid.info
- Fauna Europaea
- M. Rowell-Rahier (1984). "The Food Plant Preferences of Phratora vitellinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). A. Field Observations". Oecologia. 64 (3): 369–374. doi:10.1007/bf00379135. PMID 28311453.