Cryptocephalus rugicollis (G A Olivier, 1791)
Family: Chrysomelidae – Leaf Beetles
Length: 3.5mm to 5.5mm
Adult Flight Season: March to July.
C. Rugicollis varies in markings (spot sizes) and colouration, can be found mainly in countries, that border the Mediterranean coastline. France, Spain, North Africa, Italy, etc.
Like most leaf beetles, C. Rugicollis, are considered a pest, in the agricultural and ornamental grower’s world. The adults will feed on the pollen and petals of the flower, they will also eat the leaf parts, (especially the young shoots), the larvae will feed on all parts of the plant, including the roots.
Habitat: A wide range of habits, especially open sunny grasslands, where they are usually found feeding on, yellow flowering plants.