Knapweed Gall Weevil vs Cream-Streaked Ladybird

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Knapweed Gall Weevil Cream-Streaked Ladybird
Scientific Name Bangasternus fausti Harmonia quadripunctata
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Curculionidae Coccinellidae
Size 4-6 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Grasslands Forests
Diet Gall Makers Omnivores
Regions Europe, Central Asia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Knapweed Gall Weevil

A weevil that induces galls in knapweed flower heads. Larvae develop inside the enlarged flower buds. Used in biological control of invasive knapweeds in North America.

💡

Did You Know?

Released in North America as biocontrol for invasive spotted knapweed, which costs ranchers millions annually.

Cream-Streaked Ladybird

A European ladybird associated primarily with conifer trees. It has cream or pale yellow elytra with variable dark markings.

💡

Did You Know?

It is one of the few ladybirds that preferentially inhabits the canopy of coniferous trees.