Klitguldbille
Chrysolina carnifex
Chrysolina carnifex, known as Klitguldbille, is a metallic golden-bronze leaf beetle belonging to the chrysomelid family. This distinctive beetle feeds primarily on plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae) and plays an important role as both herbivore and prey species in its ecosystem.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera
Family
Chrysomelidae
Genus
Chrysolina
Klitguldbille belongs to the family Chrysomelidae, order Coleoptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
Chrysolina carnifex, known as Klitguldbille, is a metallic golden-bronze leaf beetle belonging to the chrysomelid family. This distinctive beetle feeds primarily on plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae) and plays an important role as both herbivore and prey species in its ecosystem. Its iridescent coloration and robust body make it easily recognizable among other leaf beetles.
Chrysolina carnifex, the Klitguldbille, is critically endangered primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized coastal dune and grassland environments. The species has experienced severe population declines as coastal development and agricultural intensification have destroyed much of its remaining habitat in Denmark and surrounding regions.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Klitguldbille inhabits herb-rich meadows, forest edges, and traditional agricultural landscapes where wild mint species and related aromatic plants flourish. The species requires areas with diverse native Lamiaceae vegetation, often found in calcareous soils and semi-natural grasslands with moderate moisture levels.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Chrysolina carnifex, the Klitguldbille, is critically endangered primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized coastal dune and grassland environments. The species has experienced severe population declines as coastal development and agricultural intensification have destroyed much of its remaining habitat in Denmark and surrounding regions.
Agricultural intensification and land use change
Coastal habitat destruction and development
Loss of host plant populations
Climate change and sea level rise
Small population size and genetic bottlenecks
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Klitguldbille (Chrysolina carnifex). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/klitguldbille