Taxonomy
- Polyphaga
- Chrysomeloidea
- Chrysomelidae
- Psylliodes
- Psylliodes luridipennis
Common name
Lundy Cabbage Flea Beetle
Images
Source: Roger Key
Source: Roger Key
Source: Roger Key
Description
Size: 3.1-3.7mm
Basic colour: Variable (see pattern)
Pattern colour: Head and pronotum usually metallic bronze, sometimes greenish/bluish; elytra vary from brownish-yellow to the typical colour range.
Number of spots: None
Other colour forms: Common
Pronotoum: See pattern above
Leg colour: Yellowish, hind femora darkened
Basic colour: Variable (see pattern)
Pattern colour: Head and pronotum usually metallic bronze, sometimes greenish/bluish; elytra vary from brownish-yellow to the typical colour range.
Number of spots: None
Other colour forms: Common
Pronotoum: See pattern above
Leg colour: Yellowish, hind femora darkened
Biology
Status: Endemic to Lundy Island off the coast of north Devon; found along the SE 3.5km of coastline. Has been listed as both Endangered (RDB1) and a Vulnerable (RDB2) endemic, and the latter is used here, though the situation may need review depending on threats to the foodplant.
RDB Category: Vulnerable (RDB2)
Habitat: Sea cliffs, granite outcrops, cliff grassland (may be sparse), and in a small valley among bramble and gorse. Always within 300m of the sea.
Host plant: Lundy Cabbage Coincya wrightii, itself and endemic which is threatened by grazing and invasive Rhododendron.
Overwintering: Probably as late-instar larvae within host-plant stems.
Food: Adults on leaves; larvae within leaf-stalks (petioles), midribs and stems.
RDB Category: Vulnerable (RDB2)
Habitat: Sea cliffs, granite outcrops, cliff grassland (may be sparse), and in a small valley among bramble and gorse. Always within 300m of the sea.
Host plant: Lundy Cabbage Coincya wrightii, itself and endemic which is threatened by grazing and invasive Rhododendron.
Overwintering: Probably as late-instar larvae within host-plant stems.
Food: Adults on leaves; larvae within leaf-stalks (petioles), midribs and stems.