Grape Flea Beetle vs Saunders' Case Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Grape Flea Beetle | Saunders' Case Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Altica chalybea | Metura saundersi |
| Order | Coleoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Psychidae |
| Size | 4-5 mm | Case up to 8 cm long; male moth 1.5-2 cm wingspan |
| Habitat | Orchards | Heathland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Australia |
| 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.
Saunders' Case Moth
A smaller relative of the large case moth that constructs a tapering case of silk and plant debris. Males are dark, short-lived moths while females remain in their cases.
Did You Know?
Each case is individually crafted and can take over a year to fully construct.