Pest profile

Eucalyptus Tortoise Beetle

Trachymela sloanei · Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae[2]

Notched, tattered eucalyptus leaves are usually the only sign of tortoise beetles, and well-kept trees tolerate the feeding.[1]

Eucalyptus tortoise beetle, a small round mottled brown beetle, on a pale surface
Eucalyptus tortoise beetle, a small round mottled brown beetle, on a pale surface. Photo: Theo Summer, public domain (CC0), via iNaturalist

How to identify it

  • The main sign is semicircular holes or irregular notches along eucalyptus leaf edges.[1]
  • Adults are small beetles; Trachymela sloanei is the widespread species.[1]

Where it lives

Trachymela sloanei was found in Riverside County in 1998 and now occurs in most of California where eucalyptus grows; Chrysophtharta m-fuscum was found in Orange County in 2003.[1]

US map: public records from 3 states since 1990 (GBIF).

Biology and life cycle

Beetles can strip most of a leaf's surface down to the midvein and occasionally feed on new shoot tips.[1]

Damage and signs

  • Heavy infestations can strip most leaves, adding stress on top of other introduced eucalyptus pests.[1]

Health risk

It feeds on eucalyptus; UC IPM mentions no risk to people.[1]

Control

Prevention

Provide good growing conditions and care; no control is needed in many landscapes.[1]

Biological control

Avoid actions that harm natural enemies.[1]

Common questions

What's chewing notches in my eucalyptus leaves?
Eucalyptus tortoise beetles are a common cause in California.[1]
Will they kill the tree?
Not alone; combined stress from multiple pests and poor care is what can kill trees.[1]

Sources

  1. University of California Statewide IPM Program, “Pest Notes: Eucalyptus Tortoise Beetles (Publication 74104).” ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74104.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
  2. iNaturalist, “Trachymela sloanei taxon page (order and family).” www.inaturalist.org/taxa/208608 (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-14. Built from sourced records. Spot an error? Tell us.