leaf beetle

noun

1. any of numerous, often brightly colored beetles of the family Chrysomelidae, that feed on the leaves of plants, the larvae of which infest the roots, stem, and leaves.

leaf beetle

noun

1. any of a large family of beetles ( Chrysomelidae ) that includes more than 25,000 species, mostly leaf feeders and mostly brightly coloured, with a metallic sheen. It includes the notorious Colorado beetle , the bloody-nosed beetle and the flea beetles ( Phyllotreta species) which attack young cabbage plants

Word History and Origins

Origin of leaf beetle¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

The caterpillars hatch from their eggs, and the elm leaf beetle leaves its winter quarters at that time.

From Project Gutenberg

Cedar-birds eat caterpillars and grubs, and are very fond of the elm-leaf beetle.

From Project Gutenberg

The last three feed also on the southern corn leaf-beetle and the last two upon the grapevine colaspis.

From Project Gutenberg

Odontota dorsalis is a small leaf-beetle found on Robinia pseudacacia.

From Project Gutenberg