Plant Susceptibility to and Seasonal Occurrence of Phaedon desotonis Balsbaugh, a Leaf Beetle Attacking Coreopsis

Phaedon desototonis Balsbaugh, a leaf beetle, occurred in large numbers in plantings of wildflowers in central Georgia. Although the species was previously considered rare, large populations of the beetle were associated with Coreopsis spp. Peak larval abundance occurred in April, while greatest numbers of adults were observed in May. One generation was observed. Thirty-eight plant taxa in 11 families were evaluated for susceptibility to feeding and injury by the beetle. The composits Coreopsis lanceolata (L.), Coreopsis tinctoria Nuttall, C. verticillata (L.), and Bidens aristosa (L.) were consistently fed on by adults and larvae of P. desotonis. Of those plants, B. aristosa was the least preferred and least damaged.