Case-bearing Leaf Beetle vs Ornate Soldier Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Case-bearing Leaf Beetle Ornate Soldier Fly
Scientific Name Cryptocephalus sericeus Odontomyia ornata
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Chrysomelidae Stratiomyidae
Size 6-8 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Meadows Ponds & Lakes
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Case-bearing Leaf Beetle

A brilliant metallic green to golden beetle with a cylindrical body shape typical of case-bearing chrysomelids. Adults are commonly found on flowers and leaves in sunny meadows.

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Did You Know?

Larvae construct a protective case from their own fecal material, which they carry around and enlarge as they grow, much like caddisfly larvae.

Ornate Soldier Fly

A medium-sized soldier fly with a green and black patterned abdomen and a somewhat flattened body. Adults are sluggish fliers often found basking on waterside vegetation.

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Did You Know?

Its aquatic larvae have a unique hydrophobic tail fringe that acts as a breathing snorkel at the water surface.