Lachnaia sexpunctata

Six-spotted leaf beetle

Description

Lachnaia sexpunctata is polyphagous insects on trees and shrubs, with their activity being dominant on oaks (Quercus spp.), hazels (Corylus spp.), and others. Adults occurs in the spring. After feeding on leaves, they lay eggs. The larvae develop in the ant nests. In late summer, new adults emerge, climb into the crowns of host trees, and engage in feeding to gain energy for the overwintering process. Larvae do not cause any damages to the trees. However, the adults can seriously damage the growth of younger trees, such as in nurseries, forest cultures, and regrowth areas, through their feeding on leaves.

Symptom

At the beginning of their activity, the beetles chew on the edges of host tree leaves, creating individual and irregular holes on the leaves. Damage caused by this species to the leaves of host trees, especially during the spring, can be confused with similar-looking damage caused by other polyphagous species, which have their most significant feeding activity during spring or early summer. Distinguishing between these feeding patterns is possible through the determination of the feeding agents.

Tree Species: Oak, Hazel

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes