ExploreInsects

Alder Leaf Beetle

Agelastica alni

The Alder Leaf Beetle is a small, shiny insect that loves to munch on alder tree leaves. They are often found in groups and can be seen during the warm months, making them fun to spot in nature!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Alder Leaf Beetle is a small, oval-shaped insect, distinctively metallic blue-black, sometimes with a greenish sheen. Its shiny, dark exoskeleton helps it stand out against green leaves. Its head and thorax are also the same glossy dark color.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyChrysomelidaeGenusAgelastica
Alder Leaf Beetle
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Alder Leaf Beetle

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Adult Alder Leaf Beetles spend their whole lives near alder trees, rarely venturing far from their favorite food.

Their babies, called larvae, look like tiny black slugs and munch leaves even more than adults!

These beetles can completely strip an alder tree of its leaves, turning green trees bare!

They lay their bright orange eggs in clusters on the underside of alder leaves, hiding them from view.

Special abilities

Ability

Chemical Shield

Alder Leaf Beetle can secrete a yellow, toxic fluid from its leg joints because this reflex bleeding helps deter hungry predators.

Ability

Leaf Muncher

Alder Leaf Beetle has specialized mouthparts that help it chew through tough alder leaves, making them its primary food source.

Ability

Winter Nap

Alder Leaf Beetle can survive cold winters by burrowing into leaf litter or soil, which helps them emerge in spring.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
12-14 mm
Size
6-7 mm
Lifespan
60-120 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

These beetles munch on delicious alder leaves, both as larvae and adults!

Age differences: Both larvae and adults exclusively feed on the leaves of alder trees.

Primary Foods

  • Alder leaves
  • Hazel leaves
  • Birch leaves

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Common Alder

Alnus glutinosa

Feeds on leaves, sometimes causing defoliation.

eaten by

Great Tit

Parus major

Common bird predator of insects, including beetles.

eaten by

European Garden Spider

Araneus diadematus

Spiders prey on various insects found on foliage.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

These beetles are safe to observe, but it's best not to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alder Leaf Beetle's wingspan?

12-14 mm

How big is Alder Leaf Beetle?

6-7 mm

How long does Alder Leaf Beetle live?

60-120 days

What does Alder Leaf Beetle eat?

These beetles munch on delicious alder leaves, both as larvae and adults!

Where is Alder Leaf Beetle usually found?

Forests

How does Alder Leaf Beetle hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Alder Leaf Beetle have?

6

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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