Differential Grasshopper vs Metallic Eumolpine Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Differential Grasshopper | Metallic Eumolpine Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Melanoplus differentialis | Chrysochus asclepiadeus |
| Order | Orthoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Acrididae | Chrysomelidae |
| Size | 28-50 mm | 8-10 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Mountains |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America | Southern and Central Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Differential Grasshopper
A large spur-throated grasshopper recognized by the herringbone pattern on its hind femora. It is a significant agricultural pest in North America.
Did You Know?
Differential grasshoppers can eat about half their body weight in vegetation each day, causing millions of dollars in crop damage during outbreaks.
Metallic Eumolpine Beetle
A brilliant metallic dark blue to violet beetle closely related to the North American dogbane beetles. It is found on vincetoxicum and other Asclepiadaceae in the mountains of Europe.
Did You Know?
Like its North American relatives on milkweed, it sequesters toxic cardiac glycosides from its host plant to deter predators.