| DESCRIPTION |
 |
Like the
long-horned
beetles (Family Cerambycidae), Chrysomelidae have a tarsal formula of
5-5-5 that appears 4 -4-4. They may be distinguished from cerambycids (with
which they are most closely related) by their shorter antennae which usually
do not extend beyond half the length of the body and do not arise from notches
in the eyes (prominences). They also usually do not have the notched eyes
and are typically smaller than most cerambycids. In many forms the hardened
forewings (elytra) have longitudinal rows of small depressions along their
length. The family is diverse in overall form. Some of these representatives
are similar in overall appearance to
ladybird
beetles (Family Coccinellidae).