Brassy Willow Beetle vs Sexton Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Brassy Willow Beetle | Sexton Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phratora vitellinae | Nicrophorus vespilloides |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Silphidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 12-18 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Woodlands |
| Diet | Detritivores | Carrion Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Northern Asia | Europe, Asia, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Brassy Willow Beetle
A small, shiny metallic bronze to greenish beetle that feeds on willow and poplar. Adults overwinter in leaf litter and emerge in spring to colonize new willow growth.
Did You Know?
Larvae secrete salicylaldehyde, a chemical obtained from salicin in willow leaves, which smells like antiseptic and deters predators.
Sexton Beetle
A black and orange carrion beetle that buries small animal carcasses as food for its larvae. Both parents care for the brood.
Did You Know?
Parents feed their larvae by regurgitating pre-digested carrion, similar to bird feeding behavior.