Colorado Leaf Beetle vs African Hide Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Colorado Leaf Beetle | African Hide Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Leptinotarsa juncta | Trox sabulosus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Trogidae |
| Size | 8-11 mm | 7-11 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Dung Feeders |
| Regions | Southeastern United States | Europe, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Colorado Leaf Beetle
A close relative of the Colorado potato beetle with similar striped elytra but alternating dark and light brown stripes rather than black and yellow. It feeds on native horsenettle.
Did You Know?
Unlike its notorious relative the Colorado potato beetle, this species has not adapted to crop plants and remains relatively harmless to agriculture.
African Hide Beetle
A small, rough-textured beetle covered in soil particles and debris that provide excellent camouflage. Its elytra have rows of tubercles that trap dirt. It feeds on dried animal remains in advanced stages of decomposition.
Did You Know?
When disturbed, hide beetles play dead and are nearly impossible to spot due to the dirt encrusted on their bodies.