Crucifer Flea Beetle vs Common Burying Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Crucifer Flea Beetle Common Burying Beetle
Scientific Name Phyllotreta cruciferae Nicrophorus vespillo
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Silphidae
Size 2-3 mm 12-22 mm
Habitat Grasslands Underground
Diet Herbivores Carrion Feeders
Regions North America, Europe Europe
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.

💡

Did You Know?

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

Common Burying Beetle

A large orange-and-black beetle that buries small animal carcasses for its larvae. Uses chemical cues to locate corpses from great distances. Shows remarkable parental care with both parents tending larvae.

💡

Did You Know?

Can bury a dead mouse completely underground in just a few hours by excavating soil from beneath the carcass.