Diet

• Adults: Primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves and tender plant tissues. Yingaresca species are members of the galerucine leaf-beetle group, which generally feeds on living foliage.

• Larvae: The immature biology of Yingaresca is poorly documented, but larvae of related Galerucinae generally feed on plant roots or other plant tissues.

• Host plants vary among species; some documented Yingaresca species are associated with plants such as Malvaceae and Poaceae.

Range

• Yingaresca is a genus of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) in the subfamily Galerucinae.

• The genus is primarily Neotropical, with approximately 50 species currently recognised, ranging from Mexico through much of South America and into the West Indies.

• It is occasionally sighted in Zihua, particularly where suitable leafy vegetation is abundant.

Habitat

• Associated with tropical dry forest, tropical deciduous forest, woodland, scrub, forest edges and secondary vegetation.

• Adults are generally found on leaves and stems, where their often subdued colouration can make them difficult to notice.

• Around Zihua, examine shrubs, vines and herbaceous plants, especially fresh foliage during the rainy season.

• Searching vegetation by gently beating branches over a light-coloured sheet can be an effective way to find these small beetles.

Size

• Adult length: generally approximately 4–8 mm (0.16–0.31 in), depending on species.

• Body usually elongate to oval, with relatively long legs and antennae.

• Colouration varies considerably among species and can include brown, yellow, reddish, black or combinations of contrasting markings.

• Some species have attractive patterns on the elytra, while others are relatively plain.