Larger Elm Leaf Beetle vs Australian Caterpillar Hunter

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Larger Elm Leaf Beetle Australian Caterpillar Hunter
Scientific Name Monocesta coryli Calosoma schayeri
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Carabidae
Size 12-16 mm 20-28 mm
Habitat Woodlands Grasslands
Diet Herbivores Predators
Regions Eastern North America Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Larger Elm Leaf Beetle

A robust, bright yellowish-orange beetle with darker wing tips that feeds on a variety of deciduous trees. When handled, it can release a blistering chemical secretion.

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Did You Know?

Its hemolymph contains cantharidin-like compounds that can cause skin blisters on contact, an unusual defense for a leaf beetle.

Australian Caterpillar Hunter

An Australian caterpillar hunter with dark metallic elytra. It is an important natural enemy of pasture and crop caterpillar pests.

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Did You Know?

It is attracted to lights at night and sometimes appears in large numbers around buildings during moth outbreaks.