Nettle-tap Flea Beetle vs Short-Tailed Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Nettle-tap Flea Beetle Short-Tailed Stonefly
Scientific Name Longitarsus nasturtii Brachyptera risi
Order Coleoptera Plecoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Taeniopterygidae
Size 1.5-2 mm 8-14 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Root Feeders Detritivores
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Short-Tailed Stonefly

A medium-sized early-emerging stonefly with notably short cerci. It hatches in late winter and early spring across European rivers.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the first insects to emerge each year, often appearing while rivers still have ice margins.