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Plagiodera versicolora

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Plagiodera versicolora
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Chrysomelidae
Genus: Plagiodera
Species:
P. versicolora
Binomial name
Plagiodera versicolora

Plagiodera versicolora is a species of leaf beetle (subfamily Chrysomelinae) in the genus Plagiodera.[1]

Description

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Plagiodera versicolora grows to 2.5 - 4.8 mm in length and is metallic blue or green, occasionally purplish to black in colour.[2]

Habitat

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Plagiodera versicolora lives in various habitats, but usually near water.[2] Adults feed on leaves and pollen of willow and poplar trees, especially Salix fragilis ('crack willow').[2][3] It is predated by the shieldbug Zicrona caerulea, several ladybird species and the larva of a hoverfly (Parasyrphus sp.).

Life cycle

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Adults overwinter under logs, loose bark and among vegetable litter near the host plant and become active during April.[4] Fully developed larvae may be found from June onwards and pupation occurs under the leaves of the host plant.[4] Freshly emerged adults occur from mid-July and fly in hot weather, occasionally found far from their hosts, especially along river margins.[4]

Distribution

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It is fairly common in central and southern England, with scattered records from Wales and Ireland and no records from Scotland.[2] It has been introduced in North America.[5]

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  • Plagiodera versicolora
    Plagiodera versicolora
  • Larva and adults
    Larva and adults

References

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  1. ^ "Plagiodera Dejean, 1837". National Biodiversity Network. Retrieved 2017-01-24.
  2. ^ a b c d "Plagiodera versicolora (Laicharting, 1781)". Coleoptera.org. Retrieved 2017-01-24.
  3. ^ Hubble, David (2012). Keys to the Adults of Seed and Leaf Beetles of Britain and Ireland. Field Studies Council. p. 52. ISBN 9781908819086.
  4. ^ a b c "Plagiodera versicolora (Laicharting, 1781)". Watford Coleopter Group. Retrieved 2017-01-24.
  5. ^ Bugguide.net. Species Plagiodera versicolora - Imported Willow Leaf Beetle
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