TROPHIC SPECIALIZATION OF THE LEAF BEETLE CHRYSOLINA COERULANS (SCRIBA, 1791) ON HOST PLANTS
leaf beetle, Chrysolina coerulans, trophic interactions, feeding behavior, mint (Mentha), chemical defence, oligophagous.
Abstract
This paper analyses the trophic relationships of the blue mint beetle Chrysolina
coerulans (Scriba, 1791) with its host plants under field and laboratory conditions. The species
proved oligophagous: adults and larvae fed almost exclusively on Mentha spicata, M. piperita and
Melissa officinalis, removing 85–92 % of leaf area within 48 h, whereas feeding on Tanacetum
(Asteraceae) occurred in ≤ 6 % of encounters. Behavioural trials and chemical assays revealed the
release of cardenolide-based defensive secretions and a thanatosis reflex, confirming an efficient
anti-predator strategy. Population density fluctuated with host availability, indicating that heavy
herbivory can curb mint dominance and enhance plant diversity. The findings enrich current
understanding of plant–insect co-evolution and offer a scientific basis for managing C. coerulans
damage in commercial mint plantations.
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