Blue Flea Beetle vs Striped Whirligig Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Blue Flea Beetle | Striped Whirligig Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Altica lythri | Gyrinus substriatus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Gyrinidae |
| Size | 4-5 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Western Asia |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Despite its tiny size, it can jump over 100 times its own body length using its powerful hind legs.
Striped Whirligig Beetle
A small whirligig beetle common across Europe, with fine longitudinal lines on the elytra. It aggregates in large swarms on sheltered pond surfaces.
Did You Know?
Groups coordinate their circular swimming using ripples on the water surface as communication signals.