Spur-throated Locust vs Asian Lady Beetle (Harlequin)

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spur-throated Locust Asian Lady Beetle (Harlequin)
Scientific Name Austracris guttulosa Harmonia yedoensis
Order Orthoptera Coleoptera
Family Acrididae Coccinellidae
Size 50-75 mm 6-9 mm
Habitat Farmland Forests
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Australia, Oceania East Asia, Japan
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Spur-throated Locust

A large Australian locust named for the distinctive spur on its throat. It is a major agricultural pest in northern and eastern Australia, particularly damaging to sorghum and other grain crops.

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Did You Know?

Unlike the plague locust, spur-throated locusts are primarily solitary but can form dense bands when conditions are favourable.

Asian Lady Beetle (Harlequin)

A large ladybug native to Japan, closely related to the invasive Asian lady beetle. Found in forest canopies where it feeds on aphids. Distinguished by its slightly more elongated body shape.

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Did You Know?

Unlike its more famous relative Harmonia axyridis, this species has stayed in its native range and has not become a worldwide invasive pest.