Fecal-mimicry
Guides
Neochlamisus comptoniae
warty leaf beetle
Neochlamisus comptoniae is a small warty leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cryptocephalinae. Like other members of the tribe Chlamisini, adults exhibit remarkable fecal mimicry—resembling caterpillar frass in size, shape, texture, and coloration. When disturbed, they retract their head and fold legs and antennae into precise grooves, eliminating any indication of being an insect. The species is associated with sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina), a plant in the family Myricaceae.