Grape Flea Beetle vs Comma Butterfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Grape Flea Beetle | Comma Butterfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Altica chalybea | Polygonia c-album |
| Order | Coleoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 4-5 mm | 44-48 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Orchards | Orchards |
| Diet | Herbivores | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Europe, North Africa, Asia |
| 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.
Comma Butterfly
Orange butterfly with ragged wing edges and a small white comma-shaped mark on the underside. The irregular outline mimics a dead leaf.
Did You Know?
Its range has expanded northward in Britain over recent decades, likely due to climate warming.