Dung Beetle (Rainbow) vs Flea Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dung Beetle (Rainbow) Flea Beetle
Scientific Name Phanaeus vindex Altica oleracea
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Chrysomelidae
Size 12-22 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Dung Feeders Herbivores
Regions North America Europe, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dung Beetle (Rainbow)

One of the most beautiful dung beetles with iridescent metallic copper, green, and blue coloring. Males have a prominent horn. Despite working with dung, they are stunningly beautiful.

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Did You Know?

Rainbow scarab beetles are living proof that working with dung does not mean looking dull — they are among the most brilliantly metallic and colorful of all beetles.

Flea Beetle

Tiny jumping beetles with enlarged hind femora for leaping. Named for their flea-like jumping ability. Many species are metallic blue, green, or bronze.

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Did You Know?

Flea beetles can jump 100 times their body length in a single leap — they use an elastic protein pad in their hind legs that stores and releases energy like a catapult.