Large Birch Cimbicid vs Thistle Tortoise Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Large Birch Cimbicid | Thistle Tortoise Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cimbex connatus | Cassida rubiginosa |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Cimbicidae | Chrysomelidae |
| Size | 18-28 mm | 6-8 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Northern and Eastern Europe, Siberia | Europe, Asia, introduced to New Zealand and North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Large Birch Cimbicid
A very large sawfly, closely related to C. femoratus, with a massive body and distinctly clubbed antennae. Adults vary in color from yellowish to dark brownish-black.
Did You Know?
This species was once confused with C. femoratus until detailed morphological studies separated them as distinct species based on antennal and genital characters.
Thistle Tortoise Beetle
A pale green to yellowish-brown tortoise beetle with a somewhat flattened, circular body. It has been used as a biocontrol agent against invasive thistles in several countries.
Did You Know?
It was deliberately introduced to New Zealand and Canada as a biological control agent to combat invasive thistle species.