Caterpillar-dropping-mimicry
Guides
Exema neglecta
warty leaf beetle
Exema neglecta is a species of warty leaf beetle in the tribe Chlamisini, subfamily Cryptocephalinae. Adults are small, measuring approximately 2–3 mm in length. The species exhibits remarkable frass-mimicry, resembling caterpillar droppings in size, shape, texture, and coloration. When disturbed, the beetle retracts its head, legs, and antennae into precisely matched grooves, completing the illusion of inanimate debris. This species is found in North America.