Smooth Leaf Beetle - Clytra laeviuscula Ratz.
The smooth leaf beetle has orange-red elytra; there is a large rear spot that almost reaches the side edge and the seam; very rarely this spot may be split into two or may be absent. The back of the leaf beetle is convex, almost completely smooth, with a very narrow and smooth groove-like border, highly shiny. The body length is about 12 mm. The head and legs of males and females are of the same size. The legs are short, with thick and straight shins.
Beetles inhabit wet meadows and the banks of water bodies. They live on various trees and shrubs. Their food plants are members of the mint family (mint, oregano, and others).
Beetles fly from May to July. They hibernate in the imago stage.
Larvae (with 3 pairs of thoracic legs, elongated, fleshy, often with glandular tubercles) live in larval cases. They feed on labiates.
The stunning coloration of leaf beetles has always attracted humans, and they have been used as decorations. In some countries, extravagant fashionistas use metallic-shimmering leaf beetles in their wardrobes as necklaces, to adorn clothing and headwear.
Distribution: Inner Tian Shan, Pre-Fergana regions of Kyrgyzstan, Alai Valley
Insects of Kyrgyzstan
