Tomato Leafminer vs Bee Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tomato Leafminer Bee Beetle
Scientific Name Tuta absoluta Trichius fasciatus
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Gelechiidae Scarabaeidae
Size 10-12 mm wingspan 9-13 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Herbivores Pollen Feeders
Regions South America, Europe, Africa, Asia Europe
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Tomato Leafminer

A devastating South American moth that mines through tomato leaves, stems, and fruits. Since 2006, it has rapidly invaded Europe, Africa, and Asia.

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Did You Know?

It can complete up to 12 generations per year in tropical regions, allowing populations to explode rapidly.

Bee Beetle

A fuzzy, yellow-and-black banded beetle that closely resembles a bumblebee. Adults visit flowers and feed on pollen.

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Did You Know?

Its bumblebee mimicry is so convincing that it is often mistaken for the real thing.