Nettle-tap Flea Beetle vs Neotropical Army Ant Guest

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Nettle-tap Flea Beetle Neotropical Army Ant Guest
Scientific Name Longitarsus nasturtii Ecitomorpha nevermanni
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Staphylinidae
Size 1.5-2 mm 4-5 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Underground
Diet Root Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe Central America, Northern South America
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

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.

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Did You Know?

Commercially grown watercress can be damaged by this beetle, which is nearly invisible to the naked eye.

Neotropical Army Ant Guest

A remarkable myrmecophilous rove beetle that lives with Eciton army ants in Central America. Its body closely mimics the shape and size of its ant hosts.

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Did You Know?

It runs in the army ant raiding columns alongside thousands of ants without being detected as an intruder.