Willow Beetle - Lochmaea caprea (Linnaeus, 1758)

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Classification Order: Coleoptera– Leaf Beetles Family: Chrysomelidae

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Length . 6–7 mm,

Phenology May and June.

Identification

Adullt beetles resemble Galerucella lineola but is darker and has a more grey tone. It is also slightly broader. Eggs are laid in the litter on the ground, resulting in newly hatched larvae having to climb the stem of the plant before they can start to feed. Larval dispersion tends to be all over the tree , the damage is therefore more dispersed than that caused by Phratora vulgatissima larvae. It overwinters as adult.

There are two host races of L. caprea, one that feeds on birch and one that feeds on willows.

Life Cycle

Habitat

Found on Birch nr Hazel on edge of moorland . Seem to be predominately on Birch

17th Sept 2006 Weather . Dry / Sunnny

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