Thistle Tortoise Beetle vs Lobster Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Thistle Tortoise Beetle | Lobster Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cassida rubiginosa | Stauropus fagi |
| Order | Coleoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Notodontidae |
| Size | 6-8 mm | 45-70 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, introduced to New Zealand and North America | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Thistle Tortoise Beetle
A pale green to yellowish-brown tortoise beetle with a somewhat flattened, circular body. It has been used as a biocontrol agent against invasive thistles in several countries.
Did You Know?
It was deliberately introduced to New Zealand and Canada as a biological control agent to combat invasive thistle species.
Lobster Moth
A moth whose young caterpillar mimics an ant and mature caterpillar resembles a lobster.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar raises its swollen tail and thoracic legs in a bizarre threat display.