University of Alberta Museums Search

Have fewer tiny depressions spread over the head and thorax compared to the elytra which are very punctate. They are 4-5 mm in length and are oblong oval in shape. Antennal bases, thoraces and legs red/orange (Blatchley 1910). Elytra and head are black, with a metallic blue or green sheen (Lesage and Majka 2009).

Will eat cultivated buckwheat (Lesage and Majka 2009). They have been considered as a potential form of control for Rumex spp. (Piesk et al. 2011, Lesage and Majk 2009), Polygonum spp.(Blatchley 1910, Lesage and Majka 2009) and Fallopia spp. (Lesage and Majka 2009).

Throughout Europe, western and central Asia, the United States, and Canada (Borowiec 2011, Islami and Nikbakhtzadeh 2009, and Lesage and Majk 2009). The Strickland collection includes specimens collected in the southern half of Alberta and Ontario.

Traces of cantharadin have been detected in these beetles, possibly for defense (Islami and Nikbakhtzadeh 2009). This species is drawn to certain concentrations of volatiles which are released by herbivory-injured Rumex spp. (Piesk et al. 2011). The genus name refers to the abdomens of the females becoming relatively engorged when carrying fertilized eggs (Blatchley 1910 and Lesage and Majka 2009). The genus is also identified by their characteristically thin pleurites and their common shape and similar colouring (Blatchley 1910). The genus has been incorrectly referred to as Gastroidea and Gastreoidea in past literature (Lawson 1950 and Lesage and Majka 2009).This species has also mistakenly been called Phaedon rubripes (Lesage and Majka 2009).