Heather Beetle
ExploreInsects
Heather Beetle
Lochmaea suturalis
The Heather Beetle is a small bug that loves to munch on heather plants. They are bright green and can be found in gardens and moorlands, making them fun to spot!
Habitat: Moorlands
Appearance
The Heather Beetle is a small, oval-shaped beetle, typically 4-5mm long, sporting a reddish-brown or brownish-yellow body. Its wing cases often have a distinct darker seam, which helps differentiate it from other small brown beetles on heather plants.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyChrysomelidaeGenusLochmaea
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Adult heather beetles can sometimes fly high above the moorlands to find new food.
Even their babies, called larvae, eat only tough heather plants!
They can accidentally spread tiny fungus spores from plant to plant.
When many heather beetles appear, they can turn whole hillsides brown!
Special abilities
Ability
Heather Feeder
Heather Beetle can digest tough heather leaves because of specialized enzymes that help them break down plant material.
Ability
Playing Dead
Heather Beetle has a defense mechanism that helps them avoid predators by dropping to the ground and pretending to be dead.
Ability
Rapid Reproduction
Heather Beetle can multiply quickly because females lay many eggs, leading to large populations when conditions are right.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 8-10 mm
- Size
- 4-5 mm
- Lifespan
- 60-90 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
These small beetles munch only on heather plants, especially the leaves and flowers.
Age differences: Larvae also feed on heather plants, mirroring the adult diet.
Primary Foods
- Calluna vulgaris (Heather)
- Erica cinerea (Bell Heather)
- Erica tetralix (Cross-leaved Heath)
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Heather
Calluna vulgaris
Primary food source for both larvae and adults.
eaten by
European Robin
Erithacus rubecula
Robins and other small birds often forage for them.
eaten by
Wolf Spider
Pardosa amentata
Spiders are common predators of heather beetles.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
It's best to look at beetles without touching them, as they can be delicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heather Beetle's wingspan?
8-10 mm
How big is Heather Beetle?
4-5 mm
How long does Heather Beetle live?
60-90 days
What does Heather Beetle eat?
These small beetles munch only on heather plants, especially the leaves and flowers.
Where is Heather Beetle usually found?
Moorlands
How does Heather Beetle hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Heather Beetle have?
6
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
.jpg&width=800)
