Larger Elm Leaf Beetle vs Isabella Tiger Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Larger Elm Leaf Beetle Isabella Tiger Moth
Scientific Name Monocesta coryli Pyrrharctia isabella
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Erebidae
Size 12-16 mm Wingspan 45-67mm
Habitat Woodlands Grasslands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Eastern North America North America
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.

Isabella Tiger Moth

A plain orange-yellow moth with scattered black spots. Its caterpillar is the famous woolly bear a fuzzy black and brown banded caterpillar.

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Did You Know?

American folklore claims the width of the woolly bear caterpillars brown band predicts the severity of the coming winter.