Sumac Flea Beetle vs Tooth Cave Ground Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sumac Flea Beetle | Tooth Cave Ground Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Blepharida rhois | Rhadine persephone |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Carabidae |
| Size | 6-8 mm | 0.5-0.7 cm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Caves |
| Diet | Herbivores | Predators |
| Regions | Eastern North America | United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
Sumac Flea Beetle
A relatively large flea beetle with a mottled brown and tan pattern providing excellent camouflage on sumac bark. Despite its size, it retains the powerful jumping ability of flea beetles.
Did You Know?
Larvae of this beetle carry a shield of their own excrement mixed with toxic compounds from their sumac host plant.
Tooth Cave Ground Beetle
A tiny eyeless ground beetle found only in a few limestone caves near Austin, Texas. It is a specialized predator of other cave invertebrates.
Did You Know?
It is completely blind and has never been found outside of the total darkness of cave systems.