Frosted Pine Aphid vs Chrysomelid Leaf Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Frosted Pine Aphid | Chrysomelid Leaf Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cinara pilicornis | Chrysolina staphylaea |
| Order | Hemiptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Aphididae | Chrysomelidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, introduced to other temperate regions | Western Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Frosted Pine Aphid
A large brown aphid covered in waxy powder that forms colonies on spruce twigs. It produces copious honeydew that supports sooty mold growth on needles.
Did You Know?
Beekeepers value it because its honeydew production enables bees to make prized forest honey.
Chrysomelid Leaf Beetle
A small, strongly convex beetle with dark reddish-brown to almost black coloration and a smooth, shiny surface. It is one of the commonest Chrysolina species in Western Europe.
Did You Know?
It is one of the first beetles to become active in late winter, sometimes emerging in February when temperatures are still quite cold.