Melasoma aenea

Leaf beetle Melasoma aenea

Description

Melasoma aenea, also known as Chrysomela aenea or Plagiosterna aenea, is a species of leaf beetle that can cause damage to alder trees. These beetles typically feed on the leaves of alder trees, which can lead to defoliation and reduced vitality of the affected trees. The adult beetles are metallic green or bronze in color and about 8 to 12 millimeters long. They lay their eggs on the leaves of alder trees, and the larvae that hatch from these eggs feed on the foliage. The larvae can cause significant damage if present in large numbers. The feeding activity of Melasoma aenea larvae can result in the skeletonization or complete defoliation of alder leaves. This can weaken the affected trees, making them more susceptible to other stresses such as drought, disease, or other insect infestations. Alder trees play an important ecological role, especially in riparian areas, providing habitat and food for various organisms. Therefore, extensive damage caused by Melasoma aenea can have negative ecological impacts.