Fourteen-spotted Leaf Beetle vs Turkey Gnat

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Fourteen-spotted Leaf Beetle Turkey Gnat
Scientific Name Propylea quatuordecimpunctata Simulium meridionale
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Coccinellidae Simuliidae
Size 3-5mm 2-4 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Predators Blood Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Fourteen-spotted Leaf Beetle

A small yellow and black ladybird with a distinctive checkerboard pattern of rectangular black spots. It is an effective aphid predator.

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Did You Know?

Its unusual checkerboard pattern makes it one of the most recognizable ladybird species in Europe.

Turkey Gnat

A black fly notorious for swarming livestock in the southern United States. Larvae attach to rocks in swift streams using silken pads and posterior hooks.

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Did You Know?

Massive swarms historically caused turkey and livestock deaths in the Mississippi Valley through blood loss and allergic reactions.