Mauritius Blue Pigeon Beetle vs Riffle Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mauritius Blue Pigeon Beetle Riffle Beetle
Scientific Name Cratopus sumptuosus Elmis aenea
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Curculionidae Elmidae
Size 10-15 mm 1.5-2.5 mm
Habitat Forests Rivers & Streams
Diet Herbivores Detritivores
Regions Mauritius Europe
Conservation Vulnerable Least Concern

Mauritius Blue Pigeon Beetle

A colorful weevil endemic to Mauritius covered in metallic green and blue scales. It feeds on the leaves of native and introduced plants.

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Did You Know?

The genus Cratopus has diversified into over 100 species across the Mascarene Islands.

Riffle Beetle

A tiny, dark beetle that spends its entire adult life underwater clinging to rocks in riffles. It breathes using a plastron, a permanent thin film of air.

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Did You Know?

Its plastron air film never needs replenishing, allowing it to remain permanently submerged.