Lined June Beetle vs Gila Monster Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lined June Beetle Gila Monster Beetle
Scientific Name Polyphylla decemlineata Cysteodemus wislizeni
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Meloidae
Size 22-35 mm 8-14 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Root Feeders Herbivores
Regions Western North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Lined June Beetle

A large scarab beetle with striking white-striped elytra found in western North America. Males have enormous lamellate antennae used to detect female pheromones.

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Did You Know?

When handled, they produce a hissing sound by forcing air through their spiracles.

Gila Monster Beetle

A round, metallic purple-blue blister beetle of the Chihuahuan Desert. It produces cantharidin as a powerful chemical defense.

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Did You Know?

Despite its tiny legs and round body, it walks surprisingly long distances to find ephemeral desert blooms.