Imported Willow Leaf Bettle – Plagiodera versicolor

Imported Willow Leaf Beetle– Plagiodera versicolor Common Name: Imported Willow Leaf Beetle Latin Name: Plagiodera versicolor Appearance: The Imported Willow Leaf Beetle is a small, metallic green beetle with long antennae and a slightly elongated shape. They measure about 6-8mm in length. Egg: The eggs of the Imported Willow Leaf Beetle are oval-shaped and are usually laid in clusters on the underside of leaves. Pupa: The Imported Willow Leaf Beetle pupa is usually found in the soil, about 5-6mm in length. It is generally a creamy white color. Larva: The larvae of the Imported Willow Leaf Beetle are yellowish-green in color and measure about 8-10mm in length. They have long, slender bodies with black spots along the sides. Adults: The adults of the Imported Willow Leaf Beetle are a metallic green color and have a slightly elongated shape. They have long antennae and measure about 6-8mm in length. Host plant: The Imported Willow Leaf Beetle feeds on the leaves of willow trees, particularly the Salix caprea and Salix daphnoides species. Territory: The Imported Willow Leaf Beetle is native to Europe but has been introduced to North America and other parts of the world. Damages caused by Imported Willow Leaf Beetle: The Imported Willow Leaf Willow trees are especially susceptible to the harm caused by the leaf-eating beetle. When this happens, trees may lose their leaves, slow down in development, or even die. Life history and Habits: The Imported Willow Leaf Beetle typically has one generation per year. Adults emerge in the spring and mate, after which females lay their eggs on the underside of willow leaves. The larvae hatch from the eggs and feed on the leaves, eventually dropping to the ground to pupate. The adult beetles emerge from the pupae in the summer, feed on the leaves for a short time, and then overwinter in the soil or on nearby plants.