Knapweed Gall Weevil vs Asparagus Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Knapweed Gall Weevil | Asparagus Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bangasternus fausti | Crioceris asparagi |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Curculionidae | Chrysomelidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Farmland |
| Diet | Gall Makers | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Central Asia | North America, Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Knapweed Gall Weevil
A weevil that induces galls in knapweed flower heads. Larvae develop inside the enlarged flower buds. Used in biological control of invasive knapweeds in North America.
Did You Know?
Released in North America as biocontrol for invasive spotted knapweed, which costs ranchers millions annually.
Asparagus Beetle
A colorful blue-black beetle with cream spots and a red thorax that feeds exclusively on asparagus. Both adults and larvae can defoliate asparagus plants.
Did You Know?
A tiny parasitoid wasp, Tetrastichus asparagi, lays its eggs inside asparagus beetle eggs to control populations naturally.