Golden Reed Beetle vs Spanish Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Golden Reed Beetle | Spanish Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Donacia vulgaris | Lytta vesicatoria |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Meloidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 10-22mm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Orchards |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Northern Asia | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Golden Reed Beetle
A slender, metallic beetle with golden to coppery-green coloration and elongated antennae. It is commonly found resting on emergent aquatic vegetation in ponds and marshes.
Did You Know?
Adults possess hydrophobic hairs on their underside that trap a thin film of air, allowing them to survive brief submersion.
Spanish Fly
A slender, metallic green blister beetle with soft elytra. It produces cantharidin, a potent blistering agent, as a chemical defense.
Did You Know?
Cantharidin from this beetle has been used in medicine for centuries but it is extremely toxic and can be lethal if ingested.