Crucifer Flea Beetle vs Clown Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Crucifer Flea Beetle Clown Beetle
Scientific Name Phyllotreta cruciferae Hister unicolor
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Histeridae
Size 2-3 mm 6-9 mm
Habitat Grasslands Farmland
Diet Herbivores Scavengers
Regions North America, Europe Europe, North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Crucifer Flea Beetle

A shiny black jumping beetle that causes shothole damage on canola and mustard seedlings. It is one of the most serious pests of prairie canola crops.

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Did You Know?

Canola seed treatments with neonicotinoids were developed primarily to combat this beetle.

Clown Beetle

A small, shiny black beetle with a compact, rounded body. It is a predator of fly larvae found in dung and decaying matter.

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Did You Know?

It can retract its legs and antennae into grooves on its body, making it nearly spherical.