Colorado Three-lined Leaf Beetle vs Malagasy Spiny Leaf Insect
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Colorado Three-lined Leaf Beetle | Malagasy Spiny Leaf Insect |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lema trivittata | Phyllium malagassum |
| Order | Coleoptera | Phasmatodea |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Phylliidae |
| Size | 5-6 mm | 60-80 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Forests |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Western North America | Madagascar |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
Colorado Three-lined Leaf Beetle
A small, elongated beetle with an orange-yellow body and three dark longitudinal stripes on the elytra. It feeds on tomatillo and ground cherry in the western United States.
Did You Know?
Like other Lema species, the larvae cover themselves in their own frass, which may serve both as camouflage and as a deterrent to parasitoids.
Malagasy Spiny Leaf Insect
A remarkable leaf insect with a broad, flat green body that exactly mimics a living leaf, complete with mid-ribs, veins, and even faux bite marks. Females are wingless while males can fly.
Did You Know?
When walking, it sways side to side to mimic a leaf blowing in the wind, making it nearly impossible to detect among real foliage.