Metallic Leaf Beetle vs Spanish Fly Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Metallic Leaf Beetle Spanish Fly Beetle
Scientific Name Chrysolina polita Berberomeloe majalis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Meloidae
Size 6-9 mm 30-70mm
Habitat Underground Grasslands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia Europe, Africa
Conservation Least Concern Vulnerable

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.

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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.

Spanish Fly Beetle

A huge wingless blister beetle with a massively swollen red and black banded abdomen. The largest European meloid.

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Did You Know?

One of the largest beetle species in Europe with a body so heavy it resembles a fat caterpillar more than a beetle.