Klamath Weed Beetle vs Cristina's Timema
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Klamath Weed Beetle | Cristina's Timema |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysolina quadrigemina | Timema cristinae |
| Order | Coleoptera | Phasmatodea |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Timematidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 2-2.5 cm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Heathland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe (native), introduced to North America, Australia | United States (Southern California) |
| 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.
Cristina's Timema
A small, stout walking stick from California that comes in green, striped, and melanistic forms. It is a major model species for studying speciation and adaptation.
Did You Know?
Different color morphs are adapted to different host plants, providing a textbook example of natural selection in action.