# Clytra laeviuscula The Clytra laeviuscula is a small, shiny beetle that loves to munch on leaves. It has a bright color that makes it easy to spot in gardens and forests. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Forests ![Clytra laeviuscula](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Chrysomelidae_-_Clytra_laeviuscula-1.JPG&width=800) Photo: Hectonichus, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chrysomelidae_-_Clytra_laeviuscula-1.JPG) ## Appearance The Clytra laeviuscula has a shiny, elongated body with striking red-orange wing cases, each typically marked with a distinct black spot. A prominent black stripe often runs down the center of its back, contrasting with its dark head and thorax, making it visually distinct from ladybugs. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Coleoptera - **Family:** Chrysomelidae - **Genus:** Clytra ## Interesting facts - Adults often feed on willow leaves, their favorite snack! - Its larvae wear a clever disguise, living safely hidden inside ant nests! - The beetle's bright colors warn predators it tastes really bad. - This beetle can fly quickly, despite its chunky, armored look! ## Special abilities - **Frass Armor:** Clytra laeviuscula larvae construct a protective case from their own frass (poop) and debris, which helps them hide from predators. - **Ant Allies:** Its larvae live inside ant nests, where they are protected by the ants and might even get food, showing a clever partnership. - **Stink Shield:** Adult Clytra laeviuscula can release a foul-smelling liquid when threatened, deterring predators with an unpleasant odor. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 15-22 mm - **Size:** 7.5-11 mm - **Lifespan:** 365-730 days - **Flight Speed:** 7 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Adults munch on plant leaves, while larvae eat decaying bits and sometimes leftovers in ant nests. - **Age differences:** Larvae feed on decaying plant matter and ant nest detritus, while adults consume fresh leaves. - **Primary Foods:** Willow leaves, Hazel leaves, Alder leaves, Oak leaves, Birch leaves, Decaying plant matter - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** Goat Willow (*Salix caprea*) — Adults feed on its leaves - **Eats:** [Common Hazel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-hazel) (*Corylus avellana*) — A primary food source for adults - **Shelter:** Red Wood Ant (*Formica rufa*) — Larvae live safely inside their nests - **Eaten by:** Blue Tit (*Cyanistes caeruleus*) — A potential prey for this bird ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low It's best to watch insects from a distance and not touch them, as they can be delicate. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Clytra laeviuscula? Look for hard wing covers meeting in a line down the back, then compare the antennae, body shape, legs and markings. Metallic colors shift a lot with lighting. Beetle Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Clytra laeviuscula's wingspan? 15-22 mm ### How big is Clytra laeviuscula? 7.5-11 mm ### How long does Clytra laeviuscula live? 365-730 days ### How fast can Clytra laeviuscula fly? 7 km/h ### What does Clytra laeviuscula eat? Adults munch on plant leaves, while larvae eat decaying bits and sometimes leftovers in ant nests. ### Where is Clytra laeviuscula usually found? Forests ### How does Clytra laeviuscula hunt? Foraging ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Clytra laeviuscula: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/clytra-laeviuscula)