Mustard Beetle vs Tumblebug Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mustard Beetle Tumblebug Beetle
Scientific Name Phaedon cochleariae Canthon vigilans
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Scarabaeidae
Size 3-4 mm 8-14 mm
Habitat Farmland Grasslands
Diet Herbivores Carrion Feeders
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Mustard Beetle

A small metallic blue-black beetle that feeds on watercress, mustard and other crucifers. Both adults and larvae damage crops. Common in damp habitats near streams.

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Did You Know?

Commercial watercress growers regard this tiny beetle as one of their most persistent pest problems.

Tumblebug Beetle

A small dung beetle that buries carrion as well as dung for its larvae.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most dung beetles it frequently uses dead invertebrates as larval food.