Leaf-beetles

Chrysomelidae

Image Credit: gailhampshire

Leaf-beetles (Chrysomelidae) – detritivores. Saxinis is the commonest member of two subfamilies/tribes of Chrysomelidae that are basically litter-feeders as larvae. These species mate at flowers and, because of that, are likely to be at least localized specialists.

Leaf1 leaf2 leaf3

The cryptocephalinae have long antennae (2 species on the left) while the Clytrinae have short clubbed antennae; the species on the right is the abundant Saxinis saucia which mates on buckwheat flowers (Eriogonum).