Elderberry Borer vs Tansy Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Elderberry Borer Tansy Beetle
Scientific Name Desmocerus palliatus Chrysolina graminis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Cerambycidae Chrysomelidae
Size 18-26 mm 7-11mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Root Feeders Herbivores
Regions Eastern North America from Quebec to Florida Europe
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

Elderberry Borer

A striking longhorn beetle with cobalt blue wing covers and a bright yellow-orange base. Its larvae develop inside the stems and roots of living elderberry shrubs.

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Did You Know?

Its vivid blue and yellow coloring is thought to mimic toxic net-winged beetles for protection from predators.

Tansy Beetle

A stunning metallic green and copper beetle covered in tiny pits. It is one of the rarest beetles in Britain.

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Did You Know?

In the UK it survives in only a small stretch along the River Ouse near York making it one of Britains most localized insects.