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Gonioctena quinquepunctata

Leaf beetle Gonioctena quinquepunctata

Description

Adults of this little known leaf beetle are on average 0.5–0.6 mm long. In addition to the nominal light brown form, several colour aberrations were detected. Last year’s beetles leave their winter sites at the end of April. The females lay their eggs on leaves. The feeding of the strange green larvae culminates usually in June. The feeding can be very intensive and defoliation during pest gradation can by severe. Many large holes appear on the leaves and leaves can even be damaged completely. G. quinquepunctata is the most abundant chrysomelid on Prunus spp. Its outbreaks are frequent also on Sorbus aucuparia. The leaves can be damaged by feeding of some other leaf eating beetles as for example by Phyllobius argentatus, P. pyri, P. maculicornis and P. oblongus. 

Symptom

Large holes appear on the leaves and the leaves may even be damaged completely. Strange green larvae are present.

Tree Species: Cherry, Black cherry, Bird cherry, Rowan, Whitebeam

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes