Dogbane Beetle vs Pear Leaf-curling Midge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dogbane Beetle Pear Leaf-curling Midge
Scientific Name Chrysochus auratus Dasineura pyri
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Chrysomelidae Cecidomyiidae
Size 8-11mm 1-2 mm
Habitat Grasslands Orchards
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions North America Europe, Asia, introduced to North America and Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dogbane Beetle

An iridescent beetle displaying blue, green, copper, and crimson colors. It feeds on toxic dogbane plants and sequesters the toxins for defense.

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Did You Know?

Its brilliant rainbow shimmer is produced by layers in its exoskeleton that reflect light at different wavelengths.

Pear Leaf-curling Midge

A minute gall midge whose larvae cause pear leaves to roll tightly inward along their margins. Multiple generations can occur per year, progressively damaging pear tree foliage.

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Did You Know?

The larvae manipulate plant growth hormones to force leaves to curl around them, creating a protective shelter.