Ninebark Calligraphy Beetle

Ninebark calligraphy beetle on cluster of ninebark flower buds
Scientific Name
Calligrapha spiraea
Family
Chrysomelidae (leaf beetles) in the order Coleoptera (beetles)
Description

The ninebark calligraphy beetle is one of nearly 40 North American calligraphy beetles, named for the scrawly markings on their backs. Most calligraphy beetles require particular host plants. The ninebark calligraphy beetle feeds on ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius).

Similar species: There are many calligraphy beetles that look quite similar. Identifying the plants they are eating helps identify the beetle. One species, for instance, is the dogwood calligraphy beetle (C. rowena), which eats dogwoods (Cornus spp.).

Learn more about this and other leaf beetles (chrysomelids) on their group page.

Media Gallery
Ninebark calligraphy beetle on cluster of ninebark flower buds
The ninebark calligraphy beetle (Calligrapha spiraea) is one of nearly 40 North American calligraphy beetles, named for the scrawly markings on their backs. Most calligraphy beetles require particular host plants.
Donna Brunet
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Ninebark calligraphy beetle on cluster of ninebark flower buds
Similar Species
About Land Invertebrates in Missouri
Invertebrates are animals without backbones, including earthworms, slugs, snails, and arthropods. Arthropods—invertebrates with “jointed legs” — are a group of invertebrates that includes crayfish, shrimp, millipedes, centipedes, mites, spiders, and insects. There may be as many as 10 million species of insects alive on earth today, and they probably constitute more than 90 percent all animal species.