Palmetto Tortoise Beetle vs Checkered Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Palmetto Tortoise Beetle | Checkered Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hemisphaerota cyanea | Trichodes apiarius |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Cleridae |
| Size | 8-10 mm | 9-16 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Underground |
| Diet | Herbivores | Parasites |
| Regions | Southeastern United States | Europe, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Palmetto Tortoise Beetle
A round, blue-black tortoise beetle found on palm fronds in the southeastern United States. It can grip surfaces with extraordinary tenacity.
Did You Know?
It uses thousands of microscopic oil-secreting bristles on its feet to create adhesion forces 60 times its own body weight.
Checkered Beetle
A brightly colored red and blue beetle often found on flowers. Its larvae are parasites of solitary bee nests.
Did You Know?
Females lay eggs near bee nests so larvae can invade and consume the bee brood.