Nettle-tap Flea Beetle vs Freyer's Purple Emperor
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Nettle-tap Flea Beetle | Freyer's Purple Emperor |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Longitarsus nasturtii | Apatura metis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 1.5-2 mm | 60-70 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Dung Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Southeastern Europe, Central Asia, China |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern (globally); rare and declining in Eu |
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.
Did You Know?
Commercially grown watercress can be damaged by this beetle, which is nearly invisible to the naked eye.
Freyer's Purple Emperor
A large, powerful butterfly closely related to the purple emperor but restricted to river valleys. Males display a brilliant purple-blue iridescence on the upper wing surface.
Did You Know?
Males patrol narrow sections of riverbank at high speed, chasing away all other large insects.