The Imported Willow Leaf Beetle is a tiny, rounded beetle with brilliant metallic blue-green elytra, introduced from Europe and now widespread in North America wherever willows grow. Both adults and larvae feed on willow and poplar leaves, often defoliating young shoots completely. Its vivid coloration is thought to be aposematic, warning of chemical defenses.
Best time to see a Imported Willow Leaf Beetle
The best time to see a Imported Willow Leaf Beetle is May–June, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 2,019 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Imported Willow Leaf Beetle? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Imported Willow Leaf Beetle sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
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