About Red Poplar Leaf Beetle
A shiny red-orange beetle with a black head, commonly found on poplar and willow trees. Larvae release a pungent salicylaldehyde when disturbed.
Did You Know?
Larvae convert compounds from willow leaves into a chemical that smells like almonds to deter predators.
How to Identify Red Poplar Leaf Beetle
Red Poplar Leaf Beetle (Chrysomela populi) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Chrysomelidae. Adults typically measure 10-12 mm.
Red Poplar Leaf Beetle Habitat
Red Poplar Leaf Beetle is found in rivers & streams habitats, particularly across Europe, Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Red Poplar Leaf Beetle Diet and Feeding
Red Poplar Leaf Beetle is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.
Where Is Red Poplar Leaf Beetle Found?
Red Poplar Leaf Beetle can be found in Europe, Asia, where it inhabits rivers & streams environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Red Poplar Leaf Beetle can be found
Is Red Poplar Leaf Beetle Dangerous?
Red Poplar Leaf Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Red Poplar Leaf Beetle Role in Nature
Red Poplar Leaf Beetle is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Poplar Leaf Beetle
What does Red Poplar Leaf Beetle look like?
The Red Poplar Leaf Beetle typically measures 10-12 mm.
Where is Red Poplar Leaf Beetle found?
The Red Poplar Leaf Beetle is found in Europe, Asia and typically inhabits rivers & streams environments.
What does Red Poplar Leaf Beetle eat?
The Red Poplar Leaf Beetle feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.
Is Red Poplar Leaf Beetle dangerous to humans?
The Red Poplar Leaf Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Red Poplar Leaf Beetle?
Larvae convert compounds from willow leaves into a chemical that smells like almonds to deter predators.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Red Poplar Leaf Beetle (Chrysomela populi). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/red-poplar-leaf-beetle
MLA:
"Red Poplar Leaf Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/red-poplar-leaf-beetle.