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Cereal leaf beetle

Cereal leaf beetle

Oulema melanopus

A species of Oulema, Also known as Oat leaf beetle

The cereal leaf beetle (Oulema melanopus) is a significant crop pest, described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758.

General Info About Cereal leaf beetle
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Attributes of Cereal leaf beetle
Colors
Black
Green
Orange
Habitat
O. melanopus is native to Europe and Asia, but it has become much more common in the world. In North America, it was first spotted in Berrien County, Michigan, in 1962. Since then, it has spread through the Midwest to the East Coast, and is making its way westward. Significant populations are found in Virginia, North Carolina, Utah, Montana, North Dakota, and Missouri and Iowa. Environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity drastically affect the O. melanopus population for that year. A cold spring favors the host plant, whereas a warm spring favors the leaf beetle. An increase in the general temperature of the planet may allow O. melanopus to spread into Canada. More recent surveys have shown that O. melanopus has indeed arrived in Canada; in 2006, it was present in 11.1% of fields, and in 2009, in 33.3% of fields in southern Alberta. Locally, adults spread to the exterior of fields during their overwinter. Larvae tend to stay on the outside of crop fields, but are also found in the center. Local populations are never homogenously distributed, hotspots and empty places occur in each field.
Adult Food Sources
Wheat, barley, corn, rye, oat
Larva Food Source
Grasses, cereal crops leaves, wheat leaves, barley leaves, oats leaves
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Cereal leaf beetle
Widespread and common
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Predators of Cereal leaf beetle Larvae
Frogs, toads, predaceous ground beetles, spiders, ants, birds
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Predators of Adult Cereal leaf beetle
Birds, small mammals, spiders, predaceous insects
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Interesting Facts About Cereal leaf beetle
Cereal leaf beetle can feign death, a behavior known as thanatosis, to evade predators and uses a special chemical in its cuticle to prevent water loss.
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Scientific Classification of Cereal leaf beetle
Class
Bugs
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Order
Beetles
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Genus
Oulema
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Tips for Finding Cereal leaf beetle
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How Can You Attract Cereal leaf beetle
Young cereal plants or parts of them could be used as bait since cereal leaf beetle primarily feeds on these in the larval and adult stages.
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Habitat Preferences of Cereal leaf beetle Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of cereal leaf beetle can usually be found on the underside of cereal leaves, such as wheat or barley, where they provide some protection from the elements and predators. Upon hatching, the larvae often remain on the host plants, feeding on the tender foliage and stems close to the ground, making them less visible. For the pupal stage, cereal leaf beetle often burrows into the soil near the host plant, where it can undergo its transformation in relative safety. To locate these different stages, researchers would meticulously inspect the host plant leaves for eggs, search through the foliage and chewed sections for the larvae, and sift through the soil at the base of the plants for the pupae.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Cereal leaf beetle
Dawn or dusk would be the optimal times to find cereal leaf beetle as they are less active and more likely to be found feeding or at rest.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Cereal leaf beetle
Mild, damp conditions are ideal for finding cereal leaf beetle since extreme temperatures can cause them to seek shelter.
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How and Where Can You Find Cereal leaf beetle at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs are typically laid on the undersides of leaves of host plants. Look for tiny clusters of eggs on the lower foliage of young cereal plants, using a magnifying lens if necessary.
Larva Larvae of cereal leaf beetle often feed on the same plants as their parents. Search the leaves of cereal crops for signs of feeding such as holes or notches, and you may find larvae nearby.
Pupal Cereal leaf beetle pupae might be found in the soil beneath the host plants. Gently dig around the base of the plants looking for the pupae which will be inactive and camouflaged.
Adult Adult cereal leaf beetle will be found on or near host plants. Early morning or late evening are the best times to look for adults, which might be feeding on leaves, stems, or laying eggs.
Are Cereal leaf beetle harmful?
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Are Cereal leaf beetle harmful to humans?

Some colorful leaf beetles are actually toxic, and their beautiful appearance is warning predators: I am very dangerous, do not eat me! However, just observing with your eyes and touching the leaf beetle with your hand will not be poisoned.
Harmful Effects of Cereal leaf beetle
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Agricultural Pests

The larvae of cereal leaf beetle consume the leaves and stems of a variety of crops, leading to defoliation and stunted growth. While a small number may cause only mild foliage damage, a large infestation can severely compromise the plant's vitality, posing a threat to agricultural productivity and potentially affecting food supply.

More Effects of Cereal leaf beetle

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