kelly@bruno
Black Beetles in the City
I believe these organisms are a male and female Yellow Margined Leaf Beetle (YMLB). I spotted them crossing a hiking path in Ogden Park. This photo was taken around April 10th. They appeared to be mating which caught my eye. The male is slightly smaller than the female. Not very much is known about the biology or ecology of YMLB. These beetles are a regular pest to gardeners and farmers alike. In favorable conditions, they can complete their life cycle in around a month. Adults mate within 6 days of emergence and females lay eggs in just 3 to 6 days. This very short life cycle and fecundity could be what makes YMLB such good predators of common vegetables (crucifers). Their host suffer foliage feeding from both adult and larvae beetles. This makes the plants unsightly for sale. Understanding the life cycle, fecundity and plant preference of Yellow Margined Lead Beetles would make ecological control a better possibility.
Black Beetles in the City
I believe these organisms are a male and female Yellow Margined Leaf Beetle (YMLB). I spotted them crossing a hiking path in Ogden Park. This photo was taken around April 10th. They appeared to be mating which caught my eye. The male is slightly smaller than the female. Not very much is known about the biology or ecology of YMLB. These beetles are a regular pest to gardeners and farmers alike. In favorable conditions, they can complete their life cycle in around a month. Adults mate within 6 days of emergence and females lay eggs in just 3 to 6 days. This very short life cycle and fecundity could be what makes YMLB such good predators of common vegetables (crucifers). Their host suffer foliage feeding from both adult and larvae beetles. This makes the plants unsightly for sale. Understanding the life cycle, fecundity and plant preference of Yellow Margined Lead Beetles would make ecological control a better possibility.