Case-bearing Leaf Beetle vs Red-shouldered Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Case-bearing Leaf Beetle Red-shouldered Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Cryptocephalus sericeus Tachinus rufipes
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Staphylinidae
Size 6-8 mm 5-8 mm
Habitat Meadows Forests
Diet Herbivores Fungus Feeders
Regions Europe, Western Asia Holarctic: Europe, Asia, North America
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.

Red-shouldered Rove Beetle

A robust, medium-sized rove beetle with reddish-brown legs and a shiny dark body. It is one of the most ubiquitous Tachyporinae in northern temperate forests and agricultural landscapes.

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Did You Know?

This species has a remarkably broad diet and habitat range, making it one of the most ecologically versatile rove beetles.