The insects of the beetle family Chrysomelidae are commonly known as leaf beetles, and include over 37,000 species in more than 2,500 genera, making up one of the largest and most commonly encountered of all beetle families. Numerous subfamilies are recognized, but the precise taxonomy and systematics are likely to change with ongoing research.
The Eumolpinae are a subfamily of the leaf beetles, or Chrysomelidae. It is one of the largest subfamilies of leaf beetles, including more than 500 genera and 7000 species. They are oval, and convex in form, and measure up to 10 mm in size. Typical coloration for this subfamily of beetles ranges from bright yellow to dark red. Many species are iridescent or brilliantly metallic blue or green in appearance.
The Cassidinae are a subfamily of the leaf beetles, or Chrysomelidae. The antennae arise close to each other and some members have the pronotal and elytral edges extended to the side and covering the legs so as to give them the common name of tortoise beetles. Some members, such as in the tribe Hispini, are notable for the spiny outgrowths to the pronotum and elytra.
Cassida is a large Old World genus of tortoise beetles in the subfamily Cassidinae. The natural history of Cassida sphaerula in South Africa is a typical life cycle. Several species of Cassida are important agricultural pests, in particular C. vittata and C. nebulosa on sugar beet and spinach. The thistle tortoise beetle has been used as a biological control agent against Canada thistle.
Chalepini is a tribe of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae. There are at least 50 genera and 830 described species in Chalepini.
Jonthonota is a genus of tortoise beetles in the family Chrysomelidae. There are at least two described species in Jonthonota.
Glyphuroplata is a genus of tortoise beetles and hispines in the family Chrysomelidae. There are at least four described species in Glyphuroplata.
Stenopodius is a genus of tortoise beetles and hispines in the family Chrysomelidae. There are about seven described species in Stenopodius.
Odontota is a genus of tortoise beetles and hispines in the family Chrysomelidae. There are about nine described species in Odontota.
Microctenochira is a genus of tortoise beetles in the family Chrysomelidae. There are at least 110 described species in the genus Microctenochira.
Ischyrosonychini is a tribe of tortoise beetles and hispines in the family Chrysomelidae. There are about 7 genera and at least 70 described species in Ischyrosonychini.
Hilarocassis is a genus of tortoise beetles and hispines in the family Chrysomelidae. There are about 10 described species in Hilarocassis.
Opacinota is a genus of tortoise beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, containing a single species, O. bisignata.
Hemisphaerota is a genus in the subfamily Cassidinae in the family Chrysomelidae. There are about 10 described species in Hemisphaerota.
Metrionella is a genus of tortoise beetles in the family Chrysomelidae. There are about 12 described species in Metrionella.
Floridocassis is a genus of tortoise beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, containing a single species, F. repudiata.
Xenochalepus ater is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in Central America and North America.
Microrhopala is a genus of tortoise beetles and hispines in the family Chrysomelidae. There are about 18 described species in Microrhopala.
Octotoma is a genus of tortoise beetles and hispines in the family Chrysomelidae. There are about 12 described species in Octotoma.
Baliosus ferrugineus is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America.
