Margined Leatherwing vs Colorado Three-lined Leaf Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Margined Leatherwing | Colorado Three-lined Leaf Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chauliognathus marginatus | Lema trivittata |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Cantharidae | Chrysomelidae |
| Size | 9-12 mm | 5-6 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Heathland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Western North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Margined Leatherwing
An early-summer soldier beetle found across eastern North America with yellow elytra edged in dark margins. It visits a wide variety of flowers.
Did You Know?
Unlike the similar goldenrod soldier beetle, this species appears in late spring rather than autumn.
Colorado Three-lined Leaf Beetle
A small, elongated beetle with an orange-yellow body and three dark longitudinal stripes on the elytra. It feeds on tomatillo and ground cherry in the western United States.
Did You Know?
Like other Lema species, the larvae cover themselves in their own frass, which may serve both as camouflage and as a deterrent to parasitoids.