# Macrolina Macrolina is a colorful insect that loves to flutter around flowers. It has beautiful wings that sparkle in the sunlight and is often seen in gardens and parks. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Macrolina](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Chrysomela_scripta.jpg&width=800) Photo: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org, CC BY 3.0 us · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chrysomela_scripta.jpg) ## Appearance The Macrolina is a striking insect, often displaying iridescent green and copper hues on its elongated, segmented body. It possesses large, prominent antennae that curve gently backward, and its forewings are hardened and protect delicate hindwings, giving it a sleek, armored appearance. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Coleoptera - **Family:** Chrysomelidae - **Genus:** Chrysomela ## Interesting facts - If a Macrolina loses a leg, it can often regrow a brand new one over time! - Macrolina's powerful jaws can slice through tough plant stems faster than scissors! - Scientists study Macrolina's wings to design new types of super-efficient drones! - Some Macrolina species lay eggs on water plants, and their larvae grow underwater! ## Special abilities - **Gemstone Camouflage:** Macrolina has an iridescent exoskeleton that helps them blend perfectly with foliage, making it hard for predators to spot them. - **Vibration Whisperer:** Macrolina can detect subtle ground vibrations using specialized leg sensors, alerting them to approaching dangers or prey. - **Precision Pilot:** Macrolina can perform agile aerial maneuvers because of its two sets of powerful, independently controlled wings, allowing quick escapes. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 40-70 mm - **Size:** 15-30 mm - **Lifespan:** 30-90 days - **Flight Speed:** 10 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Macrolina are gentle eaters, munching on leaves and sipping sweet nectar from various plants. - **Age differences:** Larvae feed on tough plant roots, while adults primarily consume leaves and nectar. - **Primary Foods:** tree leaves, flower nectar, fruit pulp, young shoots - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) — Blue Jays often snatch Macrolina. - **Eats:** Red Oak (*Quercus rubra*) — Macrolina larvae feed on Red Oak leaves. - **Pollinates:** [Sunflower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sunflower) (*Helianthus annuus*) — Adults help pollinate sunflowers while feeding. ## Traits - [Aerial](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aerial): Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting. - [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. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [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 Be gentle and watch from a distance so you don't scare them away. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Macrolina? 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 Macrolina's wingspan? 40-70 mm ### How big is Macrolina? 15-30 mm ### How long does Macrolina live? 30-90 days ### How fast can Macrolina fly? 10 km/h ### What does Macrolina eat? Macrolina are gentle eaters, munching on leaves and sipping sweet nectar from various plants. ### Where is Macrolina usually found? Urban areas ### How does Macrolina hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Nickel Plate Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/nickel-plate-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park ## 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: [Macrolina: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/macrolina)