Cromwell Chafer Beetle vs Eucalyptus Tortoise Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cromwell Chafer Beetle | Eucalyptus Tortoise Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Prodontria lewisii | Paropsis charybdis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Scarabaeidae | Chrysomelidae |
| Size | 1-1.5 cm | 9-12 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Farmland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | New Zealand | Australia (native), introduced to New Zealand |
| Conservation | Critically Endangered | Least Concern |
Cromwell Chafer Beetle
A small chafer beetle endemic to a tiny area near Cromwell in Central Otago, New Zealand. Adults are nocturnal and feed on native grasses.
Did You Know?
Its entire habitat is protected within an 81-hectare reserve, one of the smallest nature reserves created for an insect.
Eucalyptus Tortoise Beetle
A pale yellowish-brown beetle with dark spots on the elytra and a characteristic domed tortoise-like shape. It is a major defoliator of Eucalyptus plantations in New Zealand.
Did You Know?
It has become one of the most significant forestry pests in New Zealand, where it was accidentally introduced and has no native natural enemies.