Chrysomela vigintipunctata Scop., 1763

Family: Chrysomelidae The 6.5 to 8.5 mm large spotted willow leaf beetle Chrysomela vigintipunctata (family Chrysomelidae) is one of seven representatives of the otherwise holarctic genus in Germany. The distribution of Chrysomela vigintipunctata ranges from Eastern France to Japan. The stenotopic, ripicolous beetles can be found from April to August in forests near waterbodies on willow, less often on birch and alder. Both the beetles and their larvae feed on the leaves of their host plants. The larvae skeletonize leaves, especially at the edges and have a tendency to aggregate. They can cause economic damage in tree nurseries when willows and alder are attacked there. The species is recorded from almost all regions of Germany and is regarded as not endangered.