Fleabane Tortoise Beetle vs Churchyard Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Fleabane Tortoise Beetle Churchyard Beetle
Scientific Name Cassida murraea Blaps mucronata
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Tenebrionidae
Size 5-6 mm 18-25 mm
Habitat Wetlands Caves
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Fleabane Tortoise Beetle

A striking red-brown and black tortoise beetle associated with fleabane plants. Has characteristic dark markings on the transparent shield margin. Found in damp habitats.

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Did You Know?

The larvae cover themselves with their own excrement and shed skins as a defensive shield.

Churchyard Beetle

A large, slow-moving, flightless black beetle often found in cellars and old buildings. It emits a foul odor when disturbed.

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Did You Know?

It was historically considered an omen of death when found inside a house.