Early Thorn vs Corn Flea Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Early Thorn | Corn Flea Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Selenia dentaria | Chaetocnema pulicaria |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Geometridae | Chrysomelidae |
| Size | 32-40 mm wingspan | 1.5-2 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Farmland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Early Thorn
A moth that resembles a dead leaf when at rest, with twig-like resting posture. The spring generation is larger and darker than the summer generation. Comes readily to light.
Did You Know?
When at rest, this moth perches with wings raised over its back like a butterfly, mimicking a dead leaf.
Corn Flea Beetle
A very small, shiny black to bronze flea beetle with a compact, oval body. It vectors Stewart's wilt bacterium, making it both a direct and indirect pest of sweet corn.
Did You Know?
The severity of Stewart's wilt in a given year can be predicted by winter temperatures, since cold winters reduce overwintering beetle populations.