Brigitte,
Although once very common in Virginia we have not seen it for over 20 years. Other entomologists working on ornamentals report a similar lack of the elm leaf beetle. I would be curious to hear about other parts of North America that still see this insect. I suspect a lack of host material is the culprit in Virginia.
Eric
On 4/6/12 12:08 PM, "Brigitte Burger" <mlistadmin@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear Forest Entomologists,
One of my colleagues, Bill Moar (formerly of Auburn U), needs some elm leaf beetles Xanthogaleruca luteola for his research on the molecular phylogeny of Chrysomelidae. He would like at least 25 larvae or adults, frozen & shipped overnight -- he will provide the dry ice & pay the cost of overnight shipping.
The elm leaf beetle, a well established exotic in North America, overwinters as an adult. It has at least 2 generations/yr, thus population densities are higher later in the field season. We may have a good crop of this year due to mild winter & early spring. The larvae feed on the undersides of elm leaves, skeletizing them. Here's more on its biology & some photos: http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05521.html
If you happen to find some this year & have time to help Bill, please contact him directly at:
William J. Moar
Monsanto Company,
Corn IRM Technical Lead
Global Scientific Affairs, Mail Zone C3NE
800 North Lindberg Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63167
william.moar@monsanto.com <mailto:timothy.dennehy@monsanto.com>
Office tel. 314-694-7793 <tel:314-694-7793>
Mobile tel. 314-651-9018 <tel:314-651-9018>
Leah
Leah S. Bauer, Ph.D.
Research Entomologist and Adjunct Associate Professor
USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station and
Department of Entomology, Michigan State University
1407 S. Harrison Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823
lbauer@fs.fed.us <mailto:lbauer@fs.fed.us> or lsbauer@msu.edu <mailto:lsbauer@msu.edu>
517-355-7740x103 <tel:517-355-7740x103> (off) or 517-256-0623 <tel:517-256-0623> (cell)
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Eric Day
Dept of Entomology
Va Tech