The life history of Derospidea brevicollis (LeConte) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) was studied on Zanthoxylum clava-herculis (Rutaceae) in College Station, Texas. Beetles on two small trees were followed continuously from early February (after prior fall oviposition) to late May (following adult emergence) of 2007. Eggs were laid naturally on the outdoor trees by mature females during the previous summer. After overwintering in the egg masses, larvae began to emerge in late February, followed by widespread emergence in early March. Three larval instars fed actively on new plant growth (primarily foliage) during March and April. Pupation began in early April, and adult emergence was first observed in early May. Larval feeding resulted in near total defoliation of the observed trees. Little predation of larvae was observed.