Featherwing Beetle vs Eggplant Flea Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Featherwing Beetle | Eggplant Flea Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Scydosella musawasensis | Epitrix fuscula |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Ptiliidae | Chrysomelidae |
| Size | 0.325 mm | 1.5-2.5 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Farmland |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Central America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Featherwing Beetle
The smallest known free-living (non-parasitic) insect at just 0.325 mm long. Discovered in Nicaragua in 1999, it feeds on spores of basidiomycete fungi in rotting wood.
Did You Know?
At 0.325 mm, this beetle is about the width of the period at the end of this sentence — yet it is a fully functional adult insect with complete organ systems.
Eggplant Flea Beetle
A small dark beetle that creates dense shothole feeding damage on eggplant and potato leaves. Heavy infestations can stunt seedlings and reduce yields significantly.
Did You Know?
Row covers placed over seedlings at transplanting are one of the most effective non-chemical controls for this pest.