Bronze Flea Beetle vs Banded Greenhouse Thrips

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bronze Flea Beetle Banded Greenhouse Thrips
Scientific Name Altica ambiens Hercinothrips femoralis
Order Coleoptera Thysanoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Thripidae
Size 4-6 mm 1.5-2 mm
Habitat Wetlands Gardens
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions North America Africa, Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Bronze Flea Beetle

A metallic bronze to greenish flea beetle with prominent hind leg development. It feeds on alder leaves in wetland habitats across North America.

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Did You Know?

Heavy infestations can cause nearly complete defoliation of alder shrubs, which then produce a second flush of leaves later in the season.

Banded Greenhouse Thrips

A large thrips species with banded wings that infests banana, avocado, and ornamental plants. Originally from Africa, it has spread to greenhouses worldwide.

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Did You Know?

This thrips is one of the largest species in the order and can be identified by the distinctive dark bands across its wings.