Rufous Grasshopper vs Spanish Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Rufous Grasshopper | Spanish Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gomphocerippus rufus | Lytta vesicatoria |
| Order | Orthoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Acrididae | Meloidae |
| Size | 14-22mm | 10-22mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Orchards |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Rufous Grasshopper
A medium-sized grasshopper with distinctive white-tipped, club-shaped antennae. Males have reddish-brown coloring while females are more variable. It prefers warm, sheltered slopes.
Did You Know?
Its white-tipped clubbed antennae are unique among European grasshoppers and aid in species recognition.
Spanish Fly
A slender, metallic green blister beetle with soft elytra. It produces cantharidin, a potent blistering agent, as a chemical defense.
Did You Know?
Cantharidin from this beetle has been used in medicine for centuries but it is extremely toxic and can be lethal if ingested.