leaf beetle

noun

1. any of numerous, often brightly colored beetles of the family Chrysomelidae, that feed on the leaves of plants, the larvae of which infest the roots, stem, and leaves.

leaf beetle

noun

1. any of a large family of beetles ( Chrysomelidae ) that includes more than 25,000 species, mostly leaf feeders and mostly brightly coloured, with a metallic sheen. It includes the notorious Colorado beetle , the bloody-nosed beetle and the flea beetles ( Phyllotreta species) which attack young cabbage plants

Word History and Origins

Origin of leaf beetle¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

“That’s why I’m out here. Thought I might find some peacock snails or red leaf beetles. I’m running out of ideas.”

From Literature

Whether it's the Mexican bean beetle, the Japanese beetle, or the bean leaf beetle, your plant's biggest nemesis will likely be . . . the beetle.

From Salon

The beetle attacks ragweed foliage; field studies in Italy have proved that the leaf beetle can reduce ragweed pollen by 82%.

From BBC

The alder leaf beetle, which feeds on the leaves of trees, entered the top 10 for only the second time.

From BBC

It's easy to see why this little gem is known as the 'rainbow leaf beetle'.

From BBC