Hickory Horned Devil vs South American Tortoise Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hickory Horned Devil | South American Tortoise Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Citheronia regalis | Stolas coalita |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Saturniidae | Chrysomelidae |
| Size | 150 mm (caterpillar), 130-155 mm wingspan (adult) | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Forests |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America | South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Hickory Horned Devil
The largest caterpillar in North America at up to 150 mm, with dramatic curved horns and fearsome appearance. Despite looking terrifying, it is completely harmless.
Did You Know?
Despite being the most terrifying-looking caterpillar in North America with its huge curved horns, the hickory horned devil is completely harmless — it cannot sting or bite.
South American Tortoise Beetle
A moderately large tortoise beetle with a distinctive pattern of dark markings on a lighter background, with broadly expanded elytral margins. Found in tropical South American forests.
Did You Know?
The broadly expanded margins of its shell-like body can be pressed flat against a leaf surface, creating a sealed edge that is nearly impossible for predators to breach.