There are over 25 000 known species of leaf beetle around the globe. Almost all of them are leaf eaters. Their usually rounded outlines are often brightly decorated, making them an excellent group to search for. Although small they make their presence felt by the damage that they can do to crops, trees and shrubs. Many common names contain the name of their favoured food plant, or the crops that they damage the most. Leaf beetles may be small but they should never be considered insignificant.