African Cassava Leaf Beetle vs Pine Chafer
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | African Cassava Leaf Beetle | Pine Chafer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mesoplatys ochroptera | Polyphylla fullo |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Scarabaeidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 25-36mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Herbivores | Root Feeders |
| Regions | Sub-Saharan Africa | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
African Cassava Leaf Beetle
A small, yellowish-brown beetle that is a significant pest of cassava in sub-Saharan Africa. Both adults and larvae feed on young cassava leaves and shoots.
Did You Know?
Cassava leaf beetles can cause severe defoliation of cassava, one of Africa's most important food security crops feeding over 500 million people.
Pine Chafer
A large brown chafer beetle with white marbled markings on its elytra. Males have enormous fan-shaped antennae with seven lamellae.
Did You Know?
When handled it produces a loud hissing sound by rubbing its abdomen against its wing cases which can startle predators.