Pests, Beneficials, Diseases and Disorders of Mangoes - Northern ...

Swarming leaf beetles
Rhyparida sp., Geloptera aequalis (Family Chrysomelidae)
Description:
Eggs: Unknown (not normally seen).
Immatures: Larvae feed on grass roots and pupate in the soil (the
larvae are not usually seen).
Adults: Rhyparida - golden brown to black in colour with an oval
shaped body. Size: 7–8 mm in length.
Adults: Geloptera - glossy black with a metallic sheen.
Size: 4–5 mm in length.
Life Cycle: Adults emerge after the first rains at the onset of the wet
season.
Similar to: A wide variety of solitary beetles.
Damage: Adults prefer to feed on new leaves but may also damage
bark. Large swarms may strip extensive patches of new growth
causing significant leaf loss. Leaves will be completely eaten or they
may be skelentonised and become brown and dried.
Critical Control period: November to March.
Other comments: Beetles may appear suddenly and in large
numbers. May occur in hot spots on one or several trees rather than
evenly spread throughout the orchard. They feed on a wide range of
hosts.
Monitoring: Monitor new leaves in the early morning and evening,
particularly during late wet season to flowering.
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