Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Phratora vitellinae (Linnaeus) ( 293-295 )
syn. Phyllodecta vitellinae (Linnaeus)
Brassy willow leaf beetle
Generally common on poplar ( Populus ) and willow
( Salix ); often a pest in stool beds and on ornamental
trees. Widely distributed in Europe.
LIFE HISTORY
Adults hibernate under loose bark, or in similar
situations, emerging in the following May or June. The
beetles are then commonly found on host plants where,
after mating, the females eventually deposit batches of
eggs on the leaves. The eggs hatch in about two weeks.
Larvae then feed in groups on the expanded leaves.
When fully grown, usually in 2-3 weeks, the larvae
enter the soil and pupate. A second brood of larvae
occurs during the late summer or autumn.
DESCRIPTION
Adult: 3.5-5.0 mm long; thorax and elytra metallic
bluish, brassy or coppery; punctation on elytra forming
striae (cf. Plagiodera versicolora , p. 146); legs and
antennae black. Egg: 1 mm long; elongate-oval, creamy
white. Larva: up to 6 mm long; whitish to dirty greyish
brown, with numerous black plates and verrucae; body
rather flat and tapered. Pupa: 4-5 mm long; white.
DAMAGE
Adults and larvae browse on the surface of leaves, the
remaining tissue turning brown. Such damage is often
very noticeable and is very unsightly on ornamentals;
attacks have little effect on established trees but may
check the growth of seedlings and of young plants in
stool beds.
293
294
293 Eggs of brassy willow leaf beetle ( Phratora vitellinae ).
294 Larvae of brassy willow leaf beetle ( Phratora vitellinae ).
295
295 Pupae of brassy willow leaf beetle ( Phratora vitellinae ).
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