Ochrosis ventralis (Illiger, 1807)
Taxonomy: Polyphaga > Chrysomeloidea > Chrysomelidae > Ochrosis > Ochrosis ventralis
Description
Size: 2.1-2.5mm
Basic colour: Yellowish to pale brown
Pattern colour: Pronotum and elytra sometimes with a fine dark border.
Number of spots: None
Pronotoum: See above
Leg colour: As basic colour
Basic colour: Yellowish to pale brown
Pattern colour: Pronotum and elytra sometimes with a fine dark border.
Number of spots: None
Pronotoum: See above
Leg colour: As basic colour
Western Palaearctic, including Caucasus, Middle East, North Africa, Cape Verde, Madeira and Canary Islands.
Biology
Status: Scattered and very local in England and Wales; Rare (RDB3) and appears to have declined.
RDB Category: Rare (RDB3)
Habitat: Lakesides, downland/grass leys, coastal bays/cliffs - probably also on disturbed ground, especially on sandy or chalky soils.
Host plant: Various
Overwintering: As adults
Food: Adults on leaves of nightshades (Solanum spp), larvae probably at the roots.
RDB Category: Rare (RDB3)
Habitat: Lakesides, downland/grass leys, coastal bays/cliffs - probably also on disturbed ground, especially on sandy or chalky soils.
Host plant: Various
Overwintering: As adults
Food: Adults on leaves of nightshades (Solanum spp), larvae probably at the roots.
Articles
Alexander, K.N.A. (2006). Ochrosis ventralis (Illiger) (Chrysomelidae): new Cornish records and a review of its ecology in Britain. The Coleopterist 15(3): 127.