leaf beetle

leaf beetle

n

(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Animals) any of a large family of beetles (Chrysomelidae) that includes more than 25,000 species, mostly leaf feeders and mostly brightly coloured, with a metallic sheen. It includes the notorious Colorado beetle, the bloody-nosed beetle and the flea beetles (Phyllotreta species) which attack young cabbage plants

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

leaf beetle - brightly colored beetle that feeds on plant leaves; larvae infest roots and stems chrysomelid beetle - insect having biting mouthparts and front wings modified to form horny covers overlying the membranous rear wings Chrysomelidae, family Chrysomelidae - leaf beetles flea beetle - any small leaf beetle having enlarged hind legs and capable of jumping Colorado beetle, Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, potato beetle, potato bug - black-and-yellow beetle that feeds in adult and larval stages on potato leaves; originally of eastern Rocky Mountains; now worldwide