Dun-bar vs Lily Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dun-bar Lily Beetle
Scientific Name Cosmia trapezina Lilioceris lilii
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Noctuidae Chrysomelidae
Size 28-34 mm wingspan 6-8 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Predators Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia Europe, Asia; invasive in North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Dun-bar

A late summer noctuid moth whose caterpillars are partly predatory, eating other moth larvae sharing their tree. Variable brown coloration with a distinctive pale bar.

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Did You Know?

Caterpillars are cannibalistic and predatory, readily consuming other moth larvae they encounter on leaves.

Lily Beetle

A bright scarlet beetle that is a destructive pest of lilies and fritillaries. Larvae camouflage themselves by covering their bodies with their own excrement.

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Did You Know?

When picked up, adults squeak by rubbing body parts together in a behavior called stridulation.