Red Poplar Leaf Beetle vs Brown Willow Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Red Poplar Leaf Beetle Brown Willow Beetle
Scientific Name Chrysomela populi Galerucella lineola
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Chrysomelidae
Size 10-12 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Red Poplar Leaf Beetle

A shiny red-orange beetle with a black head, commonly found on poplar and willow trees. Larvae release a pungent salicylaldehyde when disturbed.

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Did You Know?

Larvae convert compounds from willow leaves into a chemical that smells like almonds to deter predators.

Brown Willow Beetle

A small brown beetle that feeds on willow leaves and can cause significant defoliation. Has been used as a biological control agent for purple loosestrife in North America.

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Did You Know?

A close relative was deliberately introduced to North America as biological control for invasive purple loosestrife.