Chrysomela populi

This species is one of the most widespread and frequent species of leaf beetles from the subfamily Chrysomelinae. These beetles can be found in most of Europe (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland),[2] in the Palearctic realm and in the Oriental realm (Caucasus, Pakistan, Siberia, Kazakhstan, Central Asia, Far East of Russia, China and Japan).[3][4]

Side view. Notice the small black spot on the hindside

These beetles mainly inhabit coniferous, mixed and broad-leaved forests, forest fringes and dry meadows with poplars and willow trees.[3][5]

Adults can be found from April to October.[5] Females lay eggs in Spring, in small, irregular clusters of up to 20-30 eggs. This species has 2 to 3 generations per year. Larvae of the last generation overwinter in the litter under the leaves. Both the larvae and the beetles live and feed on young leaves of various plants of the Salicaceae species, especially Populus and Salix species.[4][3][5][8] Adults may emit a red, highly-smelling, repellent liquid, obtained from the salicylic acid contained in their food plants.

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  Mating pair
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  Laying of eggs
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  Larvae
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  Pupa. Dorsal view