Blue Flea Beetle vs Southern Festoon
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Blue Flea Beetle | Southern Festoon |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Altica lythri | Zerynthia polyxena |
| Order | Coleoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Papilionidae |
| Size | 4-5 mm | 46-56 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Heathland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Southern and eastern Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern (protected in many countries) |
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.
Did You Know?
Despite its tiny size, it can jump over 100 times its own body length using its powerful hind legs.
Southern Festoon
A strikingly patterned butterfly with yellow wings marked with black zigzags and red spots. It is one of Europe's earliest spring butterflies and resembles a small, ornate kite.
Did You Know?
Its larvae sequester toxic aristolochic acids from their food plant, making all life stages unpalatable to birds.