Maltese Freshwater Crab Spider Beetle vs Aphid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Maltese Freshwater Crab Spider Beetle Aphid
Scientific Name Akis spinosa Myzus persicae
Order Coleoptera Hemiptera
Family Tenebrionidae Aphididae
Size 18-25 mm 1-3 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Herbivores Sap Feeders
Regions Malta, Mediterranean Islands Worldwide
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Maltese Freshwater Crab Spider Beetle

A spiny darkling beetle found on Malta and other Mediterranean islands. It has prominent ridges and spines along its elytra.

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Did You Know?

Its spiny armor and habit of playing dead make it unappealing to most predators.

Aphid

Tiny sap-sucking insects with extraordinary reproduction. Can reproduce without mating (parthenogenesis) and give birth to live young that are already pregnant, telescoping generations.

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Did You Know?

Aphids can telescope generations — a female can contain a developing daughter, who already has a developing granddaughter inside her, all without mating.