Flea Beetle vs Rugose Carrion Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Flea Beetle Rugose Carrion Beetle
Scientific Name Altica oleracea Thanatophilus rugosus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Silphidae
Size 3-5 mm 9-12 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Herbivores Carrion Feeders
Regions Europe, North America Europe, Northern Asia, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Rugose Carrion Beetle

A small, dark silphid with heavily textured, rugose wing cases. It frequents sun-exposed carrion in open landscapes.

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Did You Know?

Females lay eggs on carcasses already infested with fly larvae, and their own larvae then feed on the maggots.