Fleabane Tortoise Beetle vs Waterlily Borer Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Fleabane Tortoise Beetle Waterlily Borer Moth
Scientific Name Cassida murraea Elophila gyralis
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Crambidae
Size 5-6 mm 18-24 mm wingspan
Habitat Wetlands Ponds & Lakes
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Fleabane Tortoise Beetle

A striking red-brown and black tortoise beetle associated with fleabane plants. Has characteristic dark markings on the transparent shield margin. Found in damp habitats.

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Did You Know?

The larvae cover themselves with their own excrement and shed skins as a defensive shield.

Waterlily Borer Moth

A small pale brown moth with wavy dark lines across its wings. Its larvae are aquatic, living underwater in cases made from fragments of waterlily leaves.

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Did You Know?

The larvae breathe underwater using modified gills and never surface until they are ready to pupate.