Milkweed leaf beetle

The milkweed leaf beetle (Labidomera clivicollis) is a species of beetle from the family Chrysomelidae.[2]

Larva
Not to be confused with tropical milkweed leaf beetle.

Milkweed leaf beetle
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Infraorder: Cucujiformia
Family: Chrysomelidae
Genus: Labidomera
Species:
L. clivicollis
Binomial name
Labidomera clivicollis
(Kirby, 1837)
Synonyms[1]
  • Chrysomela clivicollis Kirby 1837

Description

L. clivicollis is a small, rounded beetle 8–11 mm in length. It has a black head and pronotum, but brightly coloured elytra; variable from dark orange to bright yellow. The elytra are mottled with black patches throughout. The larva of L. clivicollis is bright orange, with a prominent row of black spiracles.[1] This bright coloration is a classic example of Aposematism.

Diet

There are a number of host plants associated with L. clivicollis: milkweeds, especially swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) and common milkweed (A. syriaca); swallow-wort (Cynanchum); twinevine (Funastrum). The beetle is protected by this diet, as milkweed is toxic to many predators.[1]

References
  1. "Species Labidomera clivicollis - Swamp Milkweed Leaf Beetle". BugGuide.net. Retrieved 2017-07-20.
  2. "Labidomera clivicollis (Kirby, 1837)". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 2017-07-20.
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