Colorado Leaf Beetle vs California Red Scale
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Colorado Leaf Beetle | California Red Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Leptinotarsa juncta | Aonidiella aurantii |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Diaspididae |
| Size | 8-11 mm | 1.5-2 mm diameter |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Orchards |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Southeastern United States | Worldwide citrus-growing regions |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
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.
California Red Scale
A circular reddish-brown armored scale insect that infests citrus bark, leaves, and fruit. Heavy infestations can kill branches and render fruit unmarketable.
Did You Know?
The parasitoid wasp Aphytis melinus is mass-reared by the billions to control this scale in California citrus orchards.