Desert Spider Beetle vs Five-spotted Burnet
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Desert Spider Beetle | Five-spotted Burnet |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cysteodemus armatus | Zygaena trifolii |
| Order | Coleoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Meloidae | Zygaenidae |
| Size | 10-16 mm | Wingspan 30-38mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Meadows |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Desert Spider Beetle
A bizarre inflated blister beetle with a bulbous, metallic blue-black abdomen. It waddles slowly through the Mojave and Sonoran deserts.
Did You Know?
Its balloon-like body shape mimics a spider, which may deter some predators.
Five-spotted Burnet
A small day-flying moth with glossy blue-black forewings bearing five red spots and entirely red hindwings. It is found on damp meadows.
Did You Know?
It prefers damper habitats than the similar six-spot burnet and the two species rarely occur together.