Altica oleracea

Altica oleracea, known by the common name deep green leaf beetle, is a species of leaf beetle belonging to the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Galerucinae.

Etymology

Its specific name oleracea means "related to vegetables/herbs" in Latin and is a form of .

Subspecies

Subspecies include:Altica oleracea subsp. breddini

''Altica oleracea subsp. oleracea''

Distribution and habitat

This species is present in whole Palaearctic realm. except Northern Africa. Bushes and shrubs form their typical habitat.

Description

Altica oleracea can reach a body length of about. Their color varies between metallic green, blue-green, blue to golden green. Legs and antennae are dark. The posterior femora are thickened. The pronotum has a delicate transverse furrow on the basal half. The elytra are finely punctured. Altica oleracea is difficult to distinguish from related species. This is usually only possible by examining the male genitalia.

Biology

These beetles are observed from March to autumn. In early summer they lay their eggs on their host plants, which are also their forage plants. In fact larvae and adults of Altica oleracea are phytophagous, feeding on various plants, especially Onagraceae, Ericaceae and Rosaceae species.