Calligrapha Beetle vs Creek Pacer Ground Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Calligrapha Beetle Creek Pacer Ground Beetle
Scientific Name Calligrapha multipunctata Chlaenius tricolor
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Carabidae
Size 7-10 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Woodlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Wood Feeders Predators
Regions Eastern North America North America, from Canada to the southern United States
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Calligrapha Beetle

An elegantly patterned beetle with cream-white elytra covered in intricate dark brown calligraphic markings. Each individual has a unique pattern, like a fingerprint.

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Did You Know?

The genus name Calligrapha means 'beautiful writing,' referring to the ornate line patterns on the elytra that resemble artistic calligraphy.

Creek Pacer Ground Beetle

A handsome ground beetle with bright metallic green elytra, a bluish pronotum, and reddish-brown legs. It is commonly found near streams and rivers across North America.

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Did You Know?

Like other Chlaenius species, it produces a strong, distinctive odor from defensive glands that some collectors describe as smelling like leather or wet dog.