The differences in characteristics of the different beetles can aid in the proper
diagnosis of an elm beetle. The adult Elm Leaf Beetles are 5-7 mm long compared to the European
Bark Beetle which is 2-3 mm long and the Native Elm Bark Beetle which is 2-3.5mm. Other
diagnostic features such as coloring and larvae will help to distinguish between elm beetles.
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Notice in the pictures below that the adult Elm Leaf Beetle are yellowish
to dull green, with a black stripe on the edges of each wing cover. There
are three dark dots behind the head. The European Bark Beetle has a black
head and thorax and reddish-brown elytra. Native Elm Bark Beetles are smaller,
dark brown to black in color with a thin covering of short yellow hairs.
In addition to learning the differences in characteristics, studying the
life cycles can aid in understanding
the insects and in identification. |
Adult Beetles
are in the following order from left to right.
(1) Elm Leaf Beetle (2) European Elm Bark Beetle (3) Native Elm Bark
Beetle. Bark beetle photos by John Davidson. |
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