Grape Flea Beetle vs Bloody-Nosed Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Grape Flea Beetle | Bloody-Nosed Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Altica chalybea | Timarcha tenebricosa |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Chrysomelidae |
| Size | 4-5 mm | 10-20 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Hedgerows |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Western Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Grape Flea Beetle
A small, metallic dark blue beetle with enlarged jumping legs that feeds on grape buds and young foliage. It can cause significant economic damage in vineyards by destroying developing buds.
Did You Know?
Adults emerge in early spring to feed on swelling grape buds, and a single beetle can destroy multiple buds before leaves fully develop.
Bloody-Nosed Beetle
A large, flightless, domed black beetle that oozes red fluid from its mouth when threatened. The secretion contains distasteful chemicals.
Did You Know?
The red defensive fluid is actually hemolymph, the beetle equivalent of blood.