Maltese Freshwater Crab Spider Beetle vs Great Mullein Weevil
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Maltese Freshwater Crab Spider Beetle | Great Mullein Weevil |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Akis spinosa | Cionus thapsus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Tenebrionidae | Curculionidae |
| Size | 18-25 mm | 3-4.5 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Grasslands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Malta, Mediterranean Islands | Europe |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Its spiny armor and habit of playing dead make it unappealing to most predators.
Great Mullein Weevil
A small rounded weevil found exclusively on great mullein plants. Similar to the figwort weevil but associated with different host plants. Larvae are external feeders in mucous cocoons.
Did You Know?
Each larva lives inside its own slimy mucous cocoon attached to the mullein leaf surface.