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Agelastica alni

Alder leaf beetle

Description

This small, shiny metallic beetle lives on alders growing along rivers and brooks, but also in parks and urban areas. Its black larvae live in groups on the lower side of leaves when young. Older instars live singly and can appear on the upper side of a leaf as well. First they damage the epidermis of the leaf, later they perforate leaves and, in cases of heavy infestation, they completely destroy the foliage. Damage is the most visible in July and August.

Symptom

Black larvae or blue beetles on leaves.

Tree Species: Alder

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes

Seasonal frequency of occurrence

Seasonal frequency of occurrence