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cow parsley leaf beetle

Chrysolina oricalcia

The cow parsley leaf beetle is a small, shiny beetle that loves to munch on cow parsley leaves. It has a beautiful green and gold color that makes it special!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The cow parsley leaf beetle is a small, oval-shaped insect, typically displaying a striking metallic green or bronze-green color. Its shiny, iridescent exoskeleton makes it glimmer brightly, often appearing distinct from duller garden beetles found among foliage.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyChrysomelidaeGenusChrysolina
cow parsley leaf beetle
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badge
cow parsley leaf beetle

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Adult beetles can appear blue or purple as light hits their metallic shell!

Their bright colors might also warn hungry birds that they taste bad!

Their larvae are spiky, looking like tiny, living green pinecones!

They belong to a massive beetle family with over 35,000 kinds worldwide!

Special abilities

Ability

Iridescent Armor

The cow parsley leaf beetle has a shimmering metallic exoskeleton that helps it blend into foliage and reflect light from predators.

Ability

Specialized Herbivory

The cow parsley leaf beetle can safely eat specific host plants because its digestive system processes unique plant chemical compounds.

Ability

Aerial Navigation

The cow parsley leaf beetle can fly using hidden wings, helping it quickly find new food sources and mates across meadows.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
10-15 mm
Size
5-8 mm
Lifespan
30-90 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on leaves of specific plants like cow parsley and hogweed, both as larvae and adults.

Age differences: Larvae and adults both feed on the leaves of host plants.

Primary Foods

  • Anthriscus sylvestris
  • Heracleum sphondylium
  • Daucus carota

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

It's safe to observe these beetles, but don't touch them as they might get scared.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cow parsley leaf beetle's wingspan?

10-15 mm

How big is cow parsley leaf beetle?

5-8 mm

How long does cow parsley leaf beetle live?

30-90 days

What does cow parsley leaf beetle eat?

Feeds on leaves of specific plants like cow parsley and hogweed, both as larvae and adults.

Where is cow parsley leaf beetle usually found?

Grasslands

How does cow parsley leaf beetle hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does cow parsley leaf beetle have?

6

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