Devil's Coach Horse vs Bronze Flea Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Devil's Coach Horse | Bronze Flea Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ocypus olens | Altica ambiens |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Chrysomelidae |
| Size | 22-32 mm | 4-6 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Wetlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, introduced to North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Devil's Coach Horse
A large, matt-black rove beetle that raises its tail like a scorpion when threatened. It has powerful jaws and emits a foul smell.
Did You Know?
In medieval Ireland it was believed to have the power to curse a person it pointed its tail at.
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.
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.