Elm Leaf Beetle vs Lichen-Bark Katydid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Elm Leaf Beetle Lichen-Bark Katydid
Scientific Name Xanthogaleruca luteola Markia hystrix
Order Coleoptera Orthoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Tettigoniidae
Size 5-7 mm 35-50 mm
Habitat Woodlands Mountains
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, introduced worldwide Colombia, Ecuador, Peru
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Elm Leaf Beetle

A yellowish-green beetle with dark stripes along its elytra. Both adults and larvae feed on elm leaves, sometimes causing severe defoliation.

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Did You Know?

Heavy infestations can strip an elm tree of nearly all its leaves in a single season.

Lichen-Bark Katydid

A Neotropical katydid covered in spine-like projections that mimic lichen or moss. Its body is green with textured growths blending with epiphyte-covered bark.

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Did You Know?

Its spiny body projections are so convincing that even scientists can struggle to spot it on mossy branches.