Eumolpidae

Eumolpidae is a family of leaf beetles in the superfamily Chrysomeloidea. In some classifications it is treated as a distinct family; in others its members are placed within the subfamily Eumolpinae of Chrysomelidae. The rank used varies among sources, but the group is widely recognized as part of Chrysomeloidea.

Members are generally small to medium-sized beetles with diverse shapes, from oval to elongated, and a color range from dull brown to bright metallic. They are primarily phytophagous, feeding on the leaves of a broad array of plants, and the larvae are typically herbivorous as well, exhibiting various life histories across genera.

Eumolpidae has a worldwide distribution, with the greatest species richness in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Habitats include forests, woodlands, grasslands, and cultivated areas where host plants are available.

Biology and ecology: Adults feed on foliage and can be found on host plants during the day; some species are considered agricultural pests or garden pests. They often play roles in plant–insect interactions and serve as prey for predators and parasitoids.

Systematics: The group has undergone revisions as classifications of Chrysomeloidea have evolved. Several genera have been reclassified between Eumolpidae and related groups, reflecting ongoing debates about higher-level relationships within leaf beetles.