Green Tortoise Beetle vs Woolly Alder Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Green Tortoise Beetle | Woolly Alder Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cassida viridis | Eriocampa ovata |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Tenthredinidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Europe, introduced to North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Green Tortoise Beetle
A broadly oval, flattened beetle that is bright green in life, with transparent margins around the pronotum and elytra. It closely resembles a tiny green shield when viewed from above.
Did You Know?
The green coloring fades rapidly after death, turning dull brown in preserved specimens, which is why museum collections do not reflect its living beauty.
Woolly Alder Sawfly
A small, dark sawfly whose larvae are covered in a white, woolly, waxy secretion. The larvae feed on the underside of alder leaves.
Did You Know?
The white waxy covering on the larva closely resembles woolly aphids, a possible case of defensive mimicry.