Gonioctena fornicata

Lucerne leaf-beetle

The lucerne leaf-beetle (Gonioctena fornicata) originates from south-eastern and eastern Europe.

As its popular name suggests, the lucerne leaf beetle belongs to the leaf beetle family (Chrysomelidae) and lives on and from lucerne, legumes from the Medicago genus. These include, for example, the popular alfalfa.

The beetle and its larvae feed on the leaves and buds of these plants.

Gonioctena fornicata on Alfalfa — Gonioctena fornicata on alfalfa. Although there were only a few beetles on the plants, they looked quite damaged.

Suborder or family

Leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae)

Distribution

Eastern Europe, south-eastern Europe and as an introduced species also in other regions.

Gonioctena fornicata on lucerne leaf — Gonioctena fornicata on the leaf of an lucerne.

Habitats

Weed fields, fields, roadsides, dams

Size

The adult beetles can be up to seven millimeters long.

Food

Leaves and buds of alfalfa, clover and other legumes (Fabaceae).

Categories: Beetles, Bugs & Cockroaches | Insects