Metallic Leaf Beetle vs Creek Pacer Ground Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Metallic Leaf Beetle | Creek Pacer Ground Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysolina polita | Chlaenius tricolor |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Carabidae |
| Size | 6-9 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Herbivores | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Western Asia | North America, from Canada to the southern United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Metallic Leaf Beetle
A medium-sized beetle with richly burnished copper-red to bronze elytra and a metallic green to blue pronotum. The contrast between thorax and elytra colors makes it easily recognizable.
Did You Know?
This beetle is unusual among leaf beetles in being most active during autumn and winter, with adults sometimes seen walking on mild winter days.
Creek Pacer Ground Beetle
A handsome ground beetle with bright metallic green elytra, a bluish pronotum, and reddish-brown legs. It is commonly found near streams and rivers across North America.
Did You Know?
Like other Chlaenius species, it produces a strong, distinctive odor from defensive glands that some collectors describe as smelling like leather or wet dog.