Lobster Moth vs Case-bearing Leaf Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lobster Moth Case-bearing Leaf Beetle
Scientific Name Stauropus fagi Cryptocephalus sericeus
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Notodontidae Chrysomelidae
Size 45-70 mm wingspan 6-8 mm
Habitat Woodlands Meadows
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Lobster Moth

A moth whose young caterpillar mimics an ant and mature caterpillar resembles a lobster.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar raises its swollen tail and thoracic legs in a bizarre threat display.

Case-bearing Leaf Beetle

A brilliant metallic green to golden beetle with a cylindrical body shape typical of case-bearing chrysomelids. Adults are commonly found on flowers and leaves in sunny meadows.

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Did You Know?

Larvae construct a protective case from their own fecal material, which they carry around and enlarge as they grow, much like caddisfly larvae.