Neochlamisus velutinus

Members of the tribe Chlamisini (warty leaf beetles) are distinguished by their remarkable resemblance to caterpillar frass. Neochlamisus species are slightly larger (3–4 mm) than Exema species (2–3 mm). Specific identification of N. velutinus requires examination of subtle morphological characters; the species was described by Karren in 1972. The genus Neochlamisus can be distinguished from Exema by size and associated host plants.

Small beetle, approximately 3–4 mm in length. Body form and coloration adapted for crypsis, resembling caterpillar frass (excrement). When disturbed, the head retracts and legs and antennae fold into precisely matched grooves, leaving no indication of being an insect. Some species in the genus exhibit variable coloration including an almost metallic sheen.

Associated with woody vegetation. Neochlamisus species have been recorded from shingle oak (Quercus imbricaria) and eastern sycamore (Platanus occidentalis). Occurs in woodland edges and suburban areas where host plants are present.

Central America and North America. GBIF records indicate presence in Middle America and North America.

Feeds on host plant foliage. Larvae are case-bearing, constructing cases from their own feces.

• Quercus imbricaria - host plantshingle oak
• Platanus occidentalis - host planteastern sycamore; association inferred from observation of N. platani, a closely related species

Females lay eggs equipped with a cap of feces that serves as starting material for the larval case and likely deters predators. Larvae are case-bearing, housed in cases constructed from their own feces. Pupation and adult emergence details are not documented.

When disturbed, retracts head and folds legs and antennae into grooves, becoming indistinguishable from caterpillar frass. If disturbance is sufficient, the beetle may roll off the leaf and fall to escape predation.

Herbivore on woody plants. Prey for predatory wasps including Cerceris fumipennis, which has been documented capturing Neochlamisus species as alternative prey.

No documented economic or agricultural significance. Of interest to entomologists studying mimicry and crypsis.

• ExemaAlso in tribe Chlamisini; smaller (2–3 mm vs. 3–4 mm), associated with Asteraceae rather than woody plants
• Typocerus velutinusShares species epithet and occurs in same region, but belongs to family Cerambycidae (longhorn beetles); much larger and morphologically distinct

• frass mimicry
• crypsis
• case-bearing larvae
• Chlamisini
• Cryptocephalinae

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• mimicry | Beetles In The Bush | Page 2
• Typocerus deceptus in Missouri | Beetles In The Bush
• Working with Cerceris fumipennis—Epilogue | Beetles In The Bush