Chlorocala

Chlorocala is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Eumolpinae. Members of this genus are typically small to medium-sized and are known for their metallic green coloration, which can vary from bright emerald to olive and may include additional markings. The name Chlorocala is derived from Greek elements meaning green and beautiful.

Most Chlorocala taxa occur in tropical Africa, with additional records from Madagascar and nearby regions. They are commonly found in forests, woodlands, and agricultural landscapes where their host plants grow. Adults feed on a variety of dicotyledonous leaves, while larvae are believed to exhibit diverse feeding strategies, including root-feeding or associations with leaf litter, depending on the species.

Identification within Chlorocala can be challenging due to variability among species and the need for specialist examination of morphological features. The genus comprises numerous described species, with the highest diversity in Africa. Taxonomic work in the group is ongoing, and new species are periodically described as collections and studies continue.

Ecology and behavior are not fully documented for all species, but in general Chlorocala beetles are diurnal and active on foliage in warm conditions. They play a role in leaf herbivory within their ecosystems and are of interest to entomologists and beetle enthusiasts because of their striking coloration and diversity.

Chlorocala is part of the broader Chrysomelidae family and the Eumolpinae subfamily, linking it to a wide array of leaf beetles with similar ecological roles.