Elm Leaf Beetle
ExploreInsects
Elm Leaf Beetle
Xanthogaleruca luteola
The Elm Leaf Beetle is a small, greenish-yellow bug that loves to munch on elm tree leaves. They can be found in gardens and parks, making them a fun little friend to spot!
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Elm Leaf Beetle has an oval-shaped, greenish-yellow body with two distinct dark stripes running down its back. Its head and thorax are also marked with small black spots, making it visually distinct from many other leaf beetles.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyChrysomelidaeGenusXanthogaleruca
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A single beetle can lay hundreds of eggs, quickly overwhelming an elm tree!
Larvae create 'skeletonized' leaves by eating only the soft parts, leaving veins behind.
Severe infestations can make elm trees look brown and defoliated, as if it's autumn in summer!
They sometimes sneak into people's homes during autumn to find a warm spot to sleep for winter.
Special abilities
Ability
Leaf Masticator
Elm Leaf Beetle can chew through tough elm leaves using strong mandibles that help them get vital nutrients for survival.
Ability
Winter Hibernator
Elm Leaf Beetle has a special ability to enter diapause, helping them survive cold winters by hiding in sheltered places.
Ability
Quick Spreader
Elm Leaf Beetle can fly well, allowing them to quickly spread to new elm trees and find fresh leaves to eat.
Ability
Egg Protector
Elm Leaf Beetle lays its small yellow eggs in clusters on the underside of elm leaves, which helps protect them from predators.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 10-14 mm
- Size
- 5-7 mm
- Lifespan
- 21-120 days
- Flight Speed
- 5 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Tiny leaf-eaters that munch exclusively on elm tree leaves.
Age differences: Larvae scrape the underside of leaves, while adults chew through the entire leaf.
Primary Foods
- Ulmus americana
- Ulmus minor
- Ulmus procera
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
American Elm
Ulmus americana
Adults and larvae eat leaves, causing damage.
parasitizes
Elm Leaf Beetle Egg Parasitoid
Tetrastichus xanthogalerucae
Tiny wasp lays eggs inside the beetle's eggs.
eats
Spined Soldier Bug
Podisus maculiventris
Predatory bug preys on elm leaf beetle larvae.
eats
House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
Birds will feed on the adult beetles.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
It's best to look at beetles from a distance and not touch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elm Leaf Beetle's wingspan?
10-14 mm
How big is Elm Leaf Beetle?
5-7 mm
How long does Elm Leaf Beetle live?
21-120 days
How fast can Elm Leaf Beetle fly?
5 km/h
What does Elm Leaf Beetle eat?
Tiny leaf-eaters that munch exclusively on elm tree leaves.
Where is Elm Leaf Beetle usually found?
Urban areas
How does Elm Leaf Beetle hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Elm Leaf Beetle have?
6
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