Featured speciesText © K. Reißmann, T. Hörren, M. Stern, F. Bötzl and C. Benisch
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03.03.2023
Chrysolina americana (L., 1758)
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21 
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The 6 to 8 mm large Rosemary beetle Chrysolina americana (family Chrysomelidae) originates from the Mediterranean region despite its scientific name. It belongs to the speciose genus Chrysolina, which comprises about 450 species, the majority of the in the Palearctic. The stenotopic, xerothermophilous species has been introduced over the last years in several European countries und is meanwhile established on the British Isles. In Germany, it is still regarded as not firmly established. Both the beetles and their larvae live on various Lamiaceae, especially rosemary (Rosmarinus), lavender (Lavandula), thyme (Thymus) and sage (Salvia). They feed on the new shoot tips of their host plant and cause them to die. The larvae pupate in the soil. They are regarded as a pest in commercial herbs cultivation. (CB)
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17.05.2019
Chrysolina staphylaea (L., 1758)
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26
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The 6 to 9 mm large Brown Mint Leaf Beetle Chysolina staphylaea (family Chrysomelidae) is one of 30 species of the genus currently known to occur in Germany. The distribution ranges from Western Europe (except Spain) into the east (Asia). In the late 19th century the beetle was also introduced into North America and is established in Canada today. The eurytopic, halotolerant species lives on marshy meadows alongside creeks and at the edges of wet forests. Chrysolina staphylaea is oligophagous and develops on mint (Mentha) and plaintains (Plantago), occasionally on Melissa and basil (Ocimum). They can be found already early in spring in hay and plant detritus. The species is known to occur throughout Germany and is not regarded as endangered. (CB)
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