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The larger elm leaf beetle is 3/8 to 5/8 inches long. It is orange with large metallic blue spots. The larvae are up to ¾ inch long and are also orange. (up to 20 mm in length) orange larvae are also conspicuous and easily recognized. The larger elm leaf beetle often suddenly appears in great numbers, does tremendous defoliation for a year or two and then disappears for an indefinite time (perhaps decades). Sometimes groups of larvae can be seen on the soil surface beneath a tree. The beetles overwinter as grubs in the soil. In spring they pupate, and the new adults emerge from the soil in May. There is one generation per year. The adults may survive throughout the summer.