Cottonwood Leaf Beetle vs Turnip Flea Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cottonwood Leaf Beetle | Turnip Flea Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysomela scripta | Phyllotreta nemorum |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Chrysomelidae |
| Size | 6-9 mm | 3-4 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Seed Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Cottonwood Leaf Beetle
A variable beetle with pale yellow elytra marked with dark elongated spots and streaks. It is a common defoliator of cottonwood, poplar, and willow trees across North America.
Did You Know?
Larvae release volatile salicylaldehyde from glands on their thorax and abdomen, producing a distinctive medicinal smell that repels ants.
Turnip Flea Beetle
A small, shiny black beetle with a broad yellow longitudinal stripe on each elytron. It is a significant pest of turnips, swedes, and oilseed rape in Europe.
Did You Know?
Spring populations can reach such high densities that entire fields of brassica seedlings can be destroyed within days of germination.