The calligrapha beetles are a genus belonging to the family of leaf beetles. They are covered with beautiful black markings that resemble calligraphy patterns, which give them their name.
Size: 0.35-0.47 in (0.9-1.2 cm)
Color: These beetles have varied colors, including black, brown, ivory, orange, red, and yellow. Their elytrae are covered with a series of black markings in the form of curves, dashes, dots, and lines.
Other Characteristic Features: They are small and round and are capable of flight.
The larva goes through four instars.
After feeding, they pupate on the soil or in a leaf litter.
The eggs are laid in a batch on the undercol3 of the leaves of the host plant.
| Lifespan | 10-14 days |
| Distribution | Central and South America |
| Habitat | Temperate forests |
| Predators | Bugs, earwigs, lacewing larvae, and some predatory ground beetles |
| Seasons active | Year-round |
| Host Plants | Cheeseweed, copper globemallow, nightshades |
| Diet of adults | Leaves of certain plants |
Like other leaf beetles, these beetles can defoliate small plants. While older plants can recover, younger plants may need a little help to survive an attack by these beetles.
Image Source: bugguide.net, live.staticflickr.com, apps.lucidcentral.org, beetlesinthebush.files.wordpress.com,
The calligrapha beetles are a genus belonging to the family of leaf beetles. They are covered with beautiful black markings that resemble calligraphy patterns, which give them their name.
Size: 0.35-0.47 in (0.9-1.2 cm)
Color: These beetles have varied colors, including black, brown, ivory, orange, red, and yellow. Their elytrae are covered with a series of black markings in the form of curves, dashes, dots, and lines.
Other Characteristic Features: They are small and round and are capable of flight.
The larva goes through four instars.
After feeding, they pupate on the soil or in a leaf litter.
The eggs are laid in a batch on the undercol3 of the leaves of the host plant.
| Lifespan | 10-14 days |
| Distribution | Central and South America |
| Habitat | Temperate forests |
| Predators | Bugs, earwigs, lacewing larvae, and some predatory ground beetles |
| Seasons active | Year-round |
| Host Plants | Cheeseweed, copper globemallow, nightshades |
| Diet of adults | Leaves of certain plants |
Like other leaf beetles, these beetles can defoliate small plants. While older plants can recover, younger plants may need a little help to survive an attack by these beetles.
Image Source: bugguide.net, live.staticflickr.com, apps.lucidcentral.org, beetlesinthebush.files.wordpress.com,
