Chrysomelidae (leaf beetles) is one of the largest families of beetles with approximately 50,000 described species worldwide. This makes the family second only to the Curculionidae (weevils, Insecta: Coleoptera) and with over twice the species richness of birds and mammals combined.

As with all large groups, Chrysomelidae is divided into a number of subfamilies. There has been an active debate among scientists as to the number and composition of the subfamilies. The following key is to subfamilies as listed in the last generic catalog of the Chrysomelidae. Until there is a universally accepted classification, this key will enable the nonspecialist to more easily identify and study various chrysomelids.

Most chrysomelids live on terrestrial, aquatic or subaquatic plant material both as larvae and adults as root feeders, leaf, flower or pollen feeders, while stem boring, leafmining, detritus feeding, and ant nest associates are found among relatively few species.

Chrysomelids are usually thought of as plant pests, both through direct plant feeding and through transmission of plant viruses. However, others perform useful roles in biological control of weeds; the number of species which are being evaluated is increasing throughout the world. Chrysomelids are also the targets of biochemical prospecting.

Many species sequester or modify plant chemicals while other species apparently manufacture a unique chemistry against predators. Some of these compounds may be useful to humans.

Key to the subfamilies of Chrysomelidae known
from Costa Rica ( Interactively designed )

Key to the subfamilies of Chrysomelidae known
from Costa Rica ( only for printing the text )

Home / Images / Interactively designed /
only for printing the text

---

Design: Mauricio Hidalgo

Derechos Reservados INBioCopyrights INBio