Metallic Green Leaf Beetle vs Arctic Tiger Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Metallic Green Leaf Beetle Arctic Tiger Moth
Scientific Name Plagiodera versicolora Grammia quenseli
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Erebidae
Size 3-5 mm 34-44 mm wingspan
Habitat Wetlands Tundra & Arctic
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia, North America Scandinavia, Arctic Russia, Alaska, northern Canada, alpine Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Metallic Green Leaf Beetle

A small, rounded beetle with shiny metallic blue-green to dark green elytra. It is one of the most common willow-feeding beetles in the Northern Hemisphere.

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Did You Know?

It can produce multiple generations per year and may overwinter as adults in bark crevices and leaf litter near willow stands.

Arctic Tiger Moth

A striking moth with black and cream striped forewings and orange-red hindwings with black spots. The hairy caterpillar is black with reddish bands. Adults are active during the brief Arctic and alpine summer.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar's dark coloration allows it to bask in the sun and raise its body temperature well above the ambient Arctic air temperature.