Klamath Weed Beetle vs Atemeles Ant Guest Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Klamath Weed Beetle | Atemeles Ant Guest Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysolina quadrigemina | Lomechusoides strumosus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 5-6 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Parasites |
| Regions | Europe (native), introduced to North America, Australia | Central Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Klamath Weed Beetle
A dark bronze to coppery-brown beetle with a convex, heavily punctured body. It was introduced to control the invasive Klamath weed (St. John's wort) and became a classic biocontrol success story.
Did You Know?
Its introduction to California in the 1940s reduced Klamath weed infestations by over 99%, saving millions of acres of rangeland.
Atemeles Ant Guest Beetle
A parasitic rove beetle that lives in ant nests, switching between Formica and Myrmica host species seasonally. Its larvae are raised by ants alongside their own brood.
Did You Know?
It migrates between two different ant species each year, overwintering with one and breeding with another.