Dull orange beetle

[Bruce Williams]

Stony Stratford, Bucks - 24th January 2010.

Size a tad under 5mm.

Help with identification appreciated as always:



Bruce

[oxycera]

It's a leaf beetle, a Galerucella sp. I would say.

[Bruce Williams]

Thanks John.

From a quick Google I'm sure you're right. Here's a similar looking UK species: Galerucella Calmariensis

Apparently they were introduced into North America as some kind of pest control.

Bruce

[Dogghound]

Yes this is very likely Galerucella calmariensis although caution is always needed with these as similar species like G. pusilla which is almost identical, although often lacks the dark markings but when it does have these it can cause confusion so Genital analysis is often required.

Both of these species are associated with Purple loosestrife.

[Bruce Williams]

Thanks for your cautionary advice Dan. I'll upload it as Galerucella species with a note referring to the two possible species.

Just another consideration, in checking out the two species I see that G. calmariensis is said to be 3-5mm long whereas G. pusilla is recorded as 3-4mm long. I measured this individual at 4.8mm based on subject to sensor size which perhaps makes G. calmariensis a little more likely.

Bruce

[Dogghound]

Sorry totally forgot to look at size. As you say that strongly suggests G. calmariensis .