Coreopsis Beetle – Caligrapha california coreopsivora

Coreopsis Beetle   Scientific Name:  Calligrapha californica coreopsivora Common Name:  Coreopsis beetle, tickweed beetle, calligrapha california, chrysomelid leaf beetle, orange ladybug Appearance: Coreopsis beetle is a 7 mm long beetle with a dark brownish-black body and yellow stripes. It has three pairs of legs and a pair of feathery antennae. The hind legs are powerful and help the insect in active locomotion. It looks a lot like ladybugs, except that ladybugs have spots on their back while the coreopsis beetle has a striped back. It has a shiny black larva that pupates to transform into an adult. Host Plants or Food:  Coreopsis beetle feeds on the foliage of aster or composite family, such as on coreopsis, bidens, dahlia, and ragweed. Territory: Throughout North America, Eastern USA, Western USA Mode of Damage:  They are leaf-chewer as well as stem damagers and are capable of completely skeletonizing the leaves. Habits and Life History: Coreopsis beetle is found in gardens and open spaces where tickweed is grown abundantly. The females lay eggs near the base of coreopsis plants. The larva emerges from the eggs and feeds on the leaves until the onset of fall. The larva may also feed on stems causing uneven growth of the plants. Once the larva has matured, it builds itself a cocoon, overwinters in it, and emerges as an adult in mid-summer. Adult beetles are seen from early May to late June.