Physosmaragdina nigrifrons is a small orange-and-black leaf beetle, about 1/5 in (5–6 mm) long, that lives in East Asia and isn't found in the US. Its orange wing covers usually carry two black bands, but the pattern varies so much that some beetles have only small streaks or none at all. In Taiwan it is common in low mountains, where it feeds on Taiwan crape myrtle.
Appearance
- Appearance
- About 1/5 in (5–6 mm) long, slightly elongated and stout. The shield behind the head and the wing covers are orange; the rest of the body and the legs are black. The black markings vary a lot: the front band may be split into two small spots or missing, and the rear band can be broken, shrunken, or absent. The black lower legs stay the same, which helps with identification.
Where it lives
- Range
- East Asia, including Korea, Japan (Honshu and southward), and Taiwan. It is not known from the US.
Life cycle
- Caterpillar food plants
- In Taiwan it is recorded on Taiwan crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia subcostata). In Japan adults eat the leaves of Japanese knotweed, bush clovers, and wisteria.
Conservation
- IUCN Red List
- NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed
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