What is the Dotted Paropsine Leaf Beetle and Why Is It a Problem? Insects & Diseases The dotted paropsine leaf beetle (Paropsis atomaria or DPLB) has quietly become one of the most significant dangers to eucalyptus trees in recent years. Both adults and their larvae target the fresh, tender leaves of eucalyptuses. The damage is cumulative, and what begins as a thinning of foliage can, over successive seasons, escalate into significant canopy loss and even tree death. These beetles are in the family Chrysomelidae which represent leaf feeding beetles. The adults are small (~3/8” in length) and oval shaped with yellow and orange markings and black spots on their wing case. Their strong color contrast against eucalyptus leaves makes them easier to spot when checking a tree for signs of infestation. Females lay clusters of 20–100 eggs, usually arranged in a circle around young stems and leaves. These eggs hatch into yellowish larvae with black heads and tail ends, and the larvae progress through four distinct stages before maturing into adults. DPLBs produce at least two generations per year, leading to noticeable population spikes in spring and fall. However, because all life stages have been observed at different times, activity may continue year-round. Such significant canopy loss weakens trees, leaving them vulnerable to stressors they might otherwise resist. Heat waves, drought, fungal infections, and opportunistic insects seize on the reduced vigor and attack the tree leaves aggressively. The leaves targeted by beetles are essential for photosynthesis, the process that allows the tree to create its food. When those leaves are damaged or lost, the tree’s ability to produce the resources it needs to thrive is greatly reduced. Because of these compounding negative impacts, beetle activity can ultimately lead to tree death, especially in younger trees. At SavATree, our ISA Certified Arborists can help. We use science-backed strategies to manage infestations and improve tree health whenever possible, and we have the skills and tools to mitigate the damage these insects cause on your property. What Causes Dotted Paropsine Leaf Beetle Infestations and How Do the Beetles Spread? Dotted paropsine leaf beetles originate from Australia, but they are invasive to the USA and have been spreading rapidly in Southern California since being discovered there. Since their initial discovery, DLPBs have expanded into multiple counties, including San Diego county in 2024. Rapid expansion has been aided by the large abundance of eucalyptus trees found throughout the region. Large stands of these trees, particularly in monoculture settings, provide nearly unlimited food supply for DPLBs, and lead to rapid and severe outbreaks. Natural spread occurs as adults fly from tree to tree in search of fresh growth. However, infestations can also expand inadvertently through human activity. Moving infested nursery stock, cut foliage, or even firewood can introduce beetles to new areas. Warm weather, coupled with the availability of stressed or unmanaged eucalyptus stands, further accelerates the problem. Because of their ability to reproduce rapidly and disperse across landscapes, DPLBs can establish damaging populations fairly quickly if not managed promptly. Arborist Fact: The dotted paropsine leaf beetle’s rapid life cycle is part of what makes it so destructive. Larvae hatch quickly, feed voraciously on young foliage, then drop to the soil to pupate—emerging soon after as adults ready to repeat the cycle. Signs of the Dotted Paropsine Leaf Beetle Wondering if your trees are showing signs of a dotted paropsine leaf beetle infestation? Early detection is key to helping infested trees. The earliest symptoms often begin subtly, with fresh leaves taking on a ragged, chewed appearance. As feeding intensifies, the canopy thins, giving the tree a sparse, unhealthy look that seems out of season. These beetles also tend to congregate in high numbers, so it is common to see multiple life stages present on a tree, and the surrounding ground during heavy infestation. If you look closely, you might find clusters of small, soft-bodied larvae gathered on the undersides of leaves, hidden from direct view while they feed. Over time, repeated infestations strip away the tree’s energy reserves, leaving it unable to recover fully between cycles. If you see these symptoms, give your ISA Certified Arborist a call and schedule your free consultation. Early treatment can make the difference when treating PLB on your property. Are your trees showing different symptoms? Your landscape may be affected by another tree disease or insect. SavATree offers comprehensive insect management and tree care to identify and treat a variety of insects and mites. How to Manage the Dotted Paropsine Leaf Beetle Managing DPLB populations is not about eliminating them entirely. That task is often impossible, and eradication is therefore not a realistic goal. Instead, your arborist will work to reduce the impact of dotted paropsine leaf beetle to a level your eucalypts can tolerate without significant damage to your tree’s aesthetic value or health. Targeted treatments are often the first order of defense against dotted paropsine leaf beetle infestations. Because both larvae and adults feed on eucalyptus, and sometimes at the same time, treatments can be applied throughout the year to protect trees. For the best coverage, we recommend ongoing protection. That said, if budgets are limited, timing applications to periods of peak activity, such as spring and fall when populations build up, can still be highly effective. Your ISA Certified Arborist will work with you to determine the best timing and methods based on the scale of infestation and the specific conditions on your property. Your arborist will also likely maintain tree health through proper pruning, watering, and soil management. The Dotted Paropsine Leaf Beetle in Southern California The beetle is an emerging threat in Southern California, where its persistent feeding often harms trees long before owners take notice. For communities, managers, and tree care professionals in the region, vigilance is the first line of defense. Monitoring eucalyptus for early signs of leaf loss, understanding the beetle’s seasonal activity in this climate, and quick action are all key steps in limiting its spread. In the end, the health of Southern California’s urban forests, and even individual eucalyptus trees, often depends on catching small details early. Arborist Fact: Eucalyptus trees, originally introduced from Australia, lack their natural insect predators in Southern California. That makes them especially vulnerable when insects like the dotted paropsine leaf beetle establish here. Where to Find Dotted Paropsine Leaf Beetle Treatment Near You If you’ve been searching for “chewed eucalyptus leaves,” “thin canopy on my eucalyptus tree,” or “leaf beetle treatment near me,” SavATree can help. Our ISA Certified Arborists provide customized solutions to reduce dotted paropsine leaf beetle populations and restore tree health. Depending on the severity of the infestation, we may recommend targeted treatments to disrupt the beetle’s life cycle, precision pruning to remove heavily damaged foliage, or soil health programs that strengthen a tree’s natural defenses. When it comes to dotted paropsine leaf beetles, early intervention is critical. The sooner you act, the better chance your trees have to recover their vigor and help them resist future outbreaks. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an expert arborist.