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Crioceris paracenthesis (often spelled paracentesis) is a European leaf beetle closely related to the common asparagus beetle Crioceris asparagi. Unlike the common pest species, C. paracenthesis is a specialized, oligophagous insect that feeds almost exclusively on the wild asparagus plant Asparagus acutifolius.
Taxonomic and Biological Facts
Scientific Classification: It belongs to the Chrysomelidae family (leaf beetles) and the Criocerinae subfamily.
Physical Appearance: It is a small beetle with a mostly dark-to-reddish-orange head and pronotum. The yellowish-to-orange elytra (wing covers) feature distinctive longitudinal black stripes and spots.
Host Plant: The larvae are phytophagous (plant-eating) and rely heavily on the pointed asparagus (Asparagus acutifolius) to complete their life cycle.
Diet and Microbiome: Research into its internal biology reveals that its gut microbiota is heavily dominated by Spiroplasma bacteria, which accounts for up to 98% of its bacterial community.
Distribution: It is widely distributed across the Palearctic realm, with a heavy presence throughout the Mediterranean and Southern Europe (including Italy and Spain).
