Celtis Leaf Beetle

Description:

Menippus cynicus, commonly known as Celtis Leaf Beetle, is a member of the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae. It's a small beetle that grows to about 10mm, has an oval shaped, convex brown body, orange-brown head, thorax and antennae, and a black underside. The wing cases (elytra) are covered in short, fuzzy hairs. It is native to the central coastal region of Queensland. This specimen was spotted on the windshield of my car. It drove with me for several kilometres and simply turned its back on the wind and crouched against the glass as the speed of the vehicle increased, I'm assuming to protect its eyes and antennae, but also opting for better airflow over the hard, rounded surface of its elytra (wing cases). When the car stopped, it continued its march across the glass and then flew away.

Habitat:

Adults and larvae feed on the young foliage of Celtis paniculata, a native rainforest tree, but also on the introduced Celtis sinensis, aka Chinese Elm, a weed plant in Australia. Originally found in coastal areas of Central Queensland, the beetle's range has since expanded further south and has become quite common in Brisbane rainforests, vine scrub, and suburban parks and gardens. Oddly enough, I have a large Chinese Elm in my backyard but have not once encountered this species in all these years. I'll be keeping an eye out for them from now on.

Notes:

Is it any wonder the range of this beetle has spread with the introduction of Celtis sinensis, the Chinese Elm? Without it, the beetle would most likely have remained in it's native area, feeding on native Celtis paniculata. Both these food tree species belong to the same genus 'Celtis', in the hemp family Cannabaceae, so is it a coincidence that this beetle also has a preference for an introduced species of the same genus as it's favourite native food tree? Chinese Elm was a ticket to ride.