Wasp Nest Beetle vs Viburnum Leaf Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Wasp Nest Beetle | Viburnum Leaf Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Metoecus paradoxus | Pyrrhalta viburni |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Ripiphoridae | Chrysomelidae |
| Size | 8-12mm | 4-6 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Gardens |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe (native), introduced to North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Wasp Nest Beetle
A bizarre wedge-shaped beetle that develops as a parasitoid inside social wasp nests. Males have feathery antennae.
Did You Know?
One of the most unusual beetles in Europe, spending its entire larval development inside live wasp nests.
Viburnum Leaf Beetle
A small, brownish-yellow beetle with dense pubescence that has become a serious invasive pest of ornamental viburnum shrubs. Larvae skeletonize leaves from the underside.
Did You Know?
Females chew holes in twigs and deposit eggs inside, capping them with a mixture of excrement and chewed bark that hardens into a protective cover.