Red Flour Beetle vs Flea Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Red Flour Beetle Flea Beetle
Scientific Name Tribolium castaneum Altica oleracea
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Tenebrionidae Chrysomelidae
Size 3-4 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Gardens Farmland
Diet Seed Feeders Herbivores
Regions Worldwide Europe, North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Red Flour Beetle

A small, reddish-brown beetle that is one of the most important stored-grain pests worldwide. It is also a key model organism in genetics.

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Did You Know?

It was the first beetle to have its entire genome sequenced, advancing insect genomics.

Flea Beetle

Tiny jumping beetles with enlarged hind femora for leaping. Named for their flea-like jumping ability. Many species are metallic blue, green, or bronze.

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Did You Know?

Flea beetles can jump 100 times their body length in a single leap — they use an elastic protein pad in their hind legs that stores and releases energy like a catapult.