Many-spotted calligrapha

Systematic position. The many-spotted calligrapha (Calligrapha multipunctata) belongs to the order Coleoptera and the family Chrysomelidae. This beetle is a representative of the subfamily Chrysomelinae, which comprises numerous species that feed on the foliage of various woody plants and shrubs.

Host plants and damage. The primary hosts for this insect are species of the genus Salix (willow) and, occasionally, Populus (poplar). Damage is caused by the intensive feeding of both larvae and adults on the leaf blades, which, in cases of severe infestation, leads to massive defoliation, weakened tree vitality, and reduced annual shoot growth.

Biology and life cycle. The life cycle of Calligrapha multipunctata involves complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Adult beetles overwinter in the upper layers of the soil or under leaf litter. In the spring, as temperatures rise, they emerge to feed, after which females deposit eggs on the underside of the host plant leaves.

Nature of injury. Larvae are known for their voracious feeding behavior. Early instars skeletonize the leaves by consuming the soft tissues and leaving the veins intact, while older larvae and adults chew irregular holes throughout the leaf surface or consume the entire leaf lamina. Attacked trees become susceptible to secondary infections and opportunistic fungal pathogens.

Control measures. Effective management of this pest requires a combination of horticultural and chemical approaches:

• Sanitation by removing debris and leaf litter where the insects overwinter.
• Hand-picking of adults during the spring emergence period.
• Application of systemic or contact insecticides when population thresholds are exceeded.
• Conservation of natural enemies such as predatory bugs and lacewings to maintain biological balance.