Euphorbia Flea Beetle vs Blue-winged Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Euphorbia Flea Beetle Blue-winged Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Aphthona euphorbiae Platydracus chalcocephalus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Staphylinidae
Size 2-3 mm 12-17 mm
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Root Feeders Predators
Regions Europe Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Euphorbia Flea Beetle

A tiny bronze flea beetle that feeds on spurge plants. Used as a highly effective biological control agent for leafy spurge in North America. Larvae feed on spurge roots.

💡

Did You Know?

Released in North America, it became one of the most successful biocontrol programs for the invasive leafy spurge.

Blue-winged Rove Beetle

A handsome rove beetle with a metallic blue-green head and pronotum contrasting with brown elytra. It is found in wooded areas and is a capable flier attracted to lights at night.

💡

Did You Know?

The metallic coloration of its head is produced by nanostructures in the cuticle that interfere with light, similar to how a soap bubble creates colors.