Blue Flea Beetle vs Arctic Click Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Blue Flea Beetle Arctic Click Beetle
Scientific Name Altica lythri Hypnoidus riparius
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Elateridae
Size 4-5 mm 4-7 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Tundra & Arctic
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Scandinavia, Iceland, Scotland, northern Russia, Arctic Canada
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Blue Flea Beetle

A small metallic blue-green flea beetle that feeds on willowherb and evening primrose. Has enlarged hind femora enabling it to jump considerable distances. Widespread but often overlooked.

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Did You Know?

Despite its tiny size, it can jump over 100 times its own body length using its powerful hind legs.

Arctic Click Beetle

A small, brown click beetle with a distinctive snapping mechanism that allows it to flip itself upright when overturned. Larvae are wireworms that live in tundra soil. Adults are found under stones and in low vegetation.

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Did You Know?

When flipped on its back, this beetle arches its body and snaps a spine on its thorax into a groove, launching itself into the air with an audible click.