Golden Target Tortoise Beetle vs Rat Flea

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Golden Target Tortoise Beetle Rat Flea
Scientific Name Aspidomorpha miliaris Xenopsylla brasiliensis
Order Coleoptera Siphonaptera
Family Chrysomelidae Pulicidae
Size 8-12 mm 1.5-2.5 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Herbivores Blood Feeders
Regions South and Southeast Asia Africa, South America, India
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Golden Target Tortoise Beetle

A beautiful golden tortoise beetle with concentric dark markings on the elytra resembling a target or bullseye pattern. The expanded margins are translucent and amber-colored.

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Did You Know?

Larvae carry a 'fecal fork' or 'caudal process' - a structure on their tail end that holds cast skins and excrement as a parasol-like shield.

Rat Flea

A tropical rat flea found across Africa and South America that can transmit plague. It is second to the oriental rat flea in importance as a plague vector.

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Did You Know?

Despite its name suggesting Brazilian origin, it is most commonly found on rats throughout sub-Saharan Africa.