Rosemary Beetle vs Kaup Bess Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rosemary Beetle Kaup Bess Beetle
Scientific Name Chrysolina americana Passalus interstitialis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Passalidae
Size 5-8mm 30-40 mm
Habitat Heathland Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Wood Feeders
Regions Europe, Africa Central America, Mexico
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Rosemary Beetle

A small oval beetle with metallic green and purple stripes on its elytra. Despite its name, it originates from southern Europe.

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Did You Know?

Its scientific name americana was given in error as the species is native to southern Europe and North Africa.

Kaup Bess Beetle

A large, elongate, shiny black bess beetle with prominent mandibles and longitudinal grooves on the elytra. It is the most common Passalid in Central America. Colonies of adults and larvae inhabit decaying logs.

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Did You Know?

Bess beetles are subsocial insects where parents and offspring live together and cooperate in maintaining their log galleries.