Cereal leaf beetle (Oulema melanopus) is an insect found in western and eastern United States. It can be a serious pest of oats. In 1997, 65 oat and wheat fields were surveyed during June in 17 Nebraska counties for a cereal leaf beetle survey. Cereal leaf beetle larvae were found in one field in Richardson County. This was the first find of cereal leaf beetle in Nebraska.

In 1998, 73 oat and wheat fields were surveyed in 19 Nebraska counties. All fields were negative for cereal leaf beetle.

In 1999, 40 oat and wheat fields were surveyed in 10 Nebraska counties. All fields were negative for cereal leaf beetle.

This insect is found in Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri. If cereal leaf beetle is found, a biological control program could be initiated. Negative survey results allow the free movement of nursery stock to certain western states.