Leaf Beetles Mating

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Anybody interested in learning the mating process of leaf beetles can watch these sequence of images. Observe the small appendage coming out of the abdomen of the smaller beetle on the top and the same being inserted into the larger ones abdomen.

Leaf Beetles - Hispinae

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All the images in this blog are copyrighted. You are free to use these images for non-commercial purposes, such as desktop wallpapers, etc. For commercial use contact us at deadmanswill@gmail.com.

Photographer: deadmanswill

Insect Scout: deadmanswill

Location: Hyderabad, AP, India

Species Identifier(s): Sunnto (http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/900269/)

Points to appreciate:

• This pair belongs to the family of Leaf Beetles (Chrysomelidae) and to the sub family Hispinae.
• We think the male the smaller one on top but we are not sure.
• Can you make out the eyes of these creatures?

Notes from Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysomelidae

• Beetles in the family Chrysomelidae are commonly known as leaf beetles.
• This is a family of over 35,000 species in more than 2,500 genera, one of the largest and most commonly-encountered of all beetle families.
• Adult and larval leaf beetles feed on all sorts of plant tissue. Many are economically important pests of agriculture, for example the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), the asparagus beetle (Crioceris asparagi), the cereal leaf beetle (Oulema melanopus), and various flea beetles.

Flea Beetle

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All the images in this blog are copyrighted. You are free to use these images for non-commercial purposes, such as desktop wallpapers, etc. For commercial use contact us at deadmanswill@gmail.com.

Photographer: deadmanswill

Insect Scout: deadmanswill

Location: Miryalaguda, AP, India

Species Identifier(s): http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/896843/

Points to appreciate:

• Observe the hind leg closer (Click on the image to zoom). It is considerably larger than the other pairs.
• Observe the ‘shell-like shiny helmet’ over its thorax. That’s the pair of forewings. If you look close there is a small straight line running along its center. The hind wings are folded beneath the forewings.

Notes from Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flea_beetle

• Flea beetles is a general name applied to the small, jumping beetles of the leaf beetle family (Chrysomelidae).
• The adults are very small to moderately sized Chrysomelidae (i.e. among beetles in general they are on the smallish side). They are simiar to other leaf beetles, but characteristically have the hindleg femora greatly enlarged. These enlarged femora allow for the springing action of these insects when disturbed. (click on the image to observe the hind leg closer).
• Adult flea beetles feed externally on plants, eating the surface of the leaves, stems and petals.
• Flea beetles may be beneficial or may be pests, depending on the species. Many major agricultural crops are attacked by flea beetles. Other flea beetle species are beneficial, feeding on weeds and similar nuisance plants.