The extremely rare leaf beetle: Cryptocephalus punctiger

Description Cryptocephalus punctiger has a body length of 2.4-2.9mm. It is black in colour, usually with a weak but noticeable blueish metal shine. Habitat Associated with birch and goat willow trees, the larvae being in cases and free-living on the leaves. Adult beetles come out in June-July. Ecology Their generally small size, coupled with a tendency to drop to the floor easily when disturbed, renders them difficult to find. They are probably most easily located by sweeping with nets, or through careful searching of suitable foliage by eye (probably the better method for birch-feeding species) Status Cryptocephalus leaf beetles are amongst some of the most interesting and rarest of leaf beetles. Distribution Only about four UK sites, with the Sussex populations being under rapid decline. • Name the other species by clicking on the links on the right-hand side or the previous and next buttons at the top of the page