Neogalerucella calmariensis (Linnaeus, 1767)

Webster, Reginald P., LeSage, Laurent & DeMerchant, Ian, 2012, New Coleoptera records from New Brunswick, Canada: Megalopodidae and Chrysomelidae, ZooKeys 179, pp. 321-348 : 327

Neogalerucella calmariensis (Linnaeus, 1767) Map 9

Material examined.

New Brunswick, Queens Co., Scotchtown near Indian Point, 45.8762°N, 66.1816°W, 5. VI.2004, 9.VII.2006, R. P. Webster, margin of lake, oak maple forest on sandy soil, sweeping foliage (6, NBM, RWC). Sunbury Co., about 2.0 km ESE of Gilbert Island at St. John River, 45.8712°N, 66.2705°W, 26.VI.2003, R. P. Webster, silver maple forest, sweeping vegetation near river margin (4, NBM, RWC); ca. 2.5 km S of Beaver Dam, 45.7735°N, 66.6852°W, 13.VIII.2008, R. P. Webster, power-line right of way, sweeping foliage of Alnus sp. (10, NBM, RWC).

Collection and habitat data.

Adults of this species were swept from foliage along a lake margin and a river margin. Adults were defoliating Alnus at the site south of Beaver Dam. This species was taken during June, July, and August.

Distribution in Canada and Alaska.

BC, AB, MB, ON, NB, NS, PE ( Riley et al. 2003). This is a Palaearctic species now widely established throughout much of the northern half of the USA and Canada ( Riley et al. 2003). It was introduced, together with Neogalerucella pusilla (Duftschmid), for the biocontrol of purple loosestrife ( Lythrum salicaria L.) and has been successful in controlling this weed ( Hight et al. 1995). Consequently, its presence on alder is incidental and the damage to the leaves may have been done before by the alder flea beetle ( Altica ambiens alni Harris), which is closely associated with this bush ( LeSage 1995).