Mottled Tortoise Beetle vs Hanging Thief Robber Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mottled Tortoise Beetle | Hanging Thief Robber Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Deloyala guttata | Diogmites platypterus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Asilidae |
| Size | 5-6 mm | 15-22 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Farmland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America, Central America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Mottled Tortoise Beetle
A small tortoise beetle with variable coloration, often gold with irregular black spots on the elytra. Like its relatives, it has broadly expanded margins that overhang the body.
Did You Know?
Its coloring can shift between gold and dull orange-brown depending on humidity and the beetle's physiological state.
Hanging Thief Robber Fly
A slender, elongate robber fly that hangs from vegetation by its front legs while feeding. It has long dangling legs and a distinctive hunting posture unlike most other asilids.
Did You Know?
It earns its name by dangling from a single leg while consuming prey, freeing the other legs for handling food.