Japanese Dung Beetle vs Nettle-tap Flea Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Dung Beetle Nettle-tap Flea Beetle
Scientific Name Copris pecuarius Longitarsus nasturtii
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Chrysomelidae
Size 15-22 mm 1.5-2 mm
Habitat Farmland Rivers & Streams
Diet Dung Feeders Root Feeders
Regions East Asia, Japan/Korea Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Japanese Dung Beetle

A tunneling dung beetle found in Japan and Korea that provisions underground brood chambers with dung balls. Males have a horn on the head used for fighting in tunnels. Important for nutrient cycling.

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Did You Know?

Both parents cooperate in raising offspring, with the female shaping dung into brood balls while the male guards the tunnel entrance from intruders.

Nettle-tap Flea Beetle

A tiny yellowish-brown flea beetle found on watercress and other crucifers in damp habitats. Larvae mine in plant roots. Can be a minor pest of commercial watercress.

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Did You Know?

Commercially grown watercress can be damaged by this beetle, which is nearly invisible to the naked eye.