Cave Rove Beetle vs Striped Turnip Flea Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cave Rove Beetle | Striped Turnip Flea Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Leptotyphlus mirabilis | Phyllotreta undulata |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Chrysomelidae |
| Size | 1.5-2.5 mm | 1.5-2.5 mm |
| Habitat | Caves | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Herbivores |
| Regions | Mediterranean Europe, particularly cave systems | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Cave Rove Beetle
A minute, eyeless, depigmented rove beetle adapted to life in deep soil and cave environments. Its body is extremely elongate and its sensory organs are highly developed to compensate for blindness.
Did You Know?
This beetle has completely lost its eyes and all body pigmentation, a condition known as troglomorphy, evolved over millions of years in total darkness.
Striped Turnip Flea Beetle
A tiny flea beetle with sinuous yellow stripes that is a significant pest of brassica seedlings. Shothole damage to leaves is characteristic. One of several damaging Phyllotreta species.
Did You Know?
Emerging seedlings can be destroyed overnight by large numbers of these tiny beetles creating characteristic shot-holes.