Oulema melanopus
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Oulema melanopus
Oulema melanopus
The Oulema melanopus, also known as the cereal leaf beetle, is a small insect that loves to munch on grass and cereal plants. They have shiny green bodies and are often found in fields and gardens.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Oulema melanopus is a slender beetle with glossy metallic blue-green wing covers. Its pronotum and legs are a striking reddish-orange, contrasting sharply with its dark head and antennae.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyChrysomelidaeGenusOulema
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult beetles can play dead, dropping off plants to fool predators!
The larvae cover themselves in a gooey black substance that looks gross!
Their eggs are often laid in neat rows, like tiny yellow pearls!
They were accidentally brought to North America from Europe in the 1960s!
Special abilities
Ability
Poop Power Shield
Oulema melanopus larvae can create a 'fecal shield' because of sticky excrement that helps them deter predators like ladybugs.
Ability
Leaf Chomper Jaws
Oulema melanopus has strong chewing mouthparts that help them munch through tough plant leaves and stems with ease.
Ability
Shiny Leaf Disguise
Oulema melanopus has a shiny blue-green exoskeleton that helps them blend in with the leaves of their host plants.
Measurements & details
- Size
- 3.5-5 mm
- Lifespan
- 30-200 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
They munch on leaves of cereals and grasses, making them pesky plant eaters.
Age differences: Larvae feed within the upper leaf surface, while adults chew long strips along the surface.
Primary Foods
- Wheat
- Oats
- Barley
- Rye
- Wild Grasses
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Seven-spotted Ladybug
Coccinella septempunctata
Larvae and eggs are a tasty meal for ladybugs.
parasitizes
Cereal Leaf Beetle Parasitoid Wasp
Tetrastichus julis
This tiny wasp lays its eggs inside the beetle larvae.
eats
Common Wheat
Triticum aestivum
A favored food, causing significant crop damage.
eats
Cultivated Oat
Avena sativa
Both larvae and adults feed on oat leaves.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
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.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Cereal Leaf Beetle
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
It's best to look at insects from a distance and not touch them, as they can be delicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Oulema melanopus?
3.5-5 mm
How long does Oulema melanopus live?
30-200 days
What does Oulema melanopus eat?
They munch on leaves of cereals and grasses, making them pesky plant eaters.
Where is Oulema melanopus usually found?
Grasslands
How does Oulema melanopus hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Oulema melanopus have?
6
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