The ninebark calligraphy beetle (Calligrapha spiraea) is one of nearly 40 North American calligraphy beetles, named for the scrawly markings on their backs. Most calligraphy beetles require particular host plants.
Donna Brunet
Ninebark Calligraphy Beetle
Calligrapha spiraea
Family:
Chrysomelidae (leaf beetles) in the order Coleoptera (beetles)
Description:
The ninebark calligraphy beetle is one of nearly 40 North American calligraphy beetles, named for the scrawly markings on their backs. Most calligraphy beetles require particular host plants. The ninebark calligraphy beetle feeds on ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius).
Similar species: There are many calligraphy beetles that look quite similar. Identifying the plants they are eating helps identify the beetle. One species, for instance, is the dogwood calligraphy beetle (C. rowena), which eats dogwoods (Cornus spp.).
Learn more about this and other leaf beetles (chrysomelids) on their group page.
Similar Species
Leaf Beetles
About 2,000 species in North America
Lady Beetles (Ladybird Beetles; Ladybugs)
Nearly 500 species in North America north of Mexico
Fireflies (Lightning Bugs)
Approx. 175 species in North America north of Mexico
Seven-Spotted Lady Beetle
Coccinella septempunctata
Four-Spotted Lady Beetle
Brachiacantha quadripunctata
Weevils (Snout Beetles; Bark Beetles)
About 2,500 species in North America north of Mexico
V-Marked Lady Beetle
Neoharmonia venusta
Soldier Beetles
Nearly 500 species in North America north of Mexico
Longhorned Beetles (Borers; Sawyer Beetles)
About 1,000 species in North America north of Mexico
Scarab Beetles
About 1,700 species in North America north of Mexico
About Land Invertebrates in Missouri
Invertebrates are animals without backbones, including earthworms, slugs, snails, and arthropods. Arthropods—invertebrates with “jointed legs” — are a group of invertebrates that includes crayfish, shrimp, millipedes, centipedes, mites, spiders, and insects. There may be as many as 10 million species of insects alive on earth today, and they probably constitute more than 90 percent all animal species.