Sumac Flea Beetle vs Wax-Tailed Planthopper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sumac Flea Beetle | Wax-Tailed Planthopper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Blepharida rhois | Pterodictya reticularis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Dictyopharidae |
| Size | 6-8 mm | 10-15 mm (body, excluding wax filaments) |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Predators |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Central America, South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Wax-Tailed Planthopper
A Neotropical planthopper that produces long waxy tail filaments from its abdomen. These white wax strands may confuse predators or mimic fungal hyphae.
Did You Know?
Its wax tail filaments can be several times its body length and break off easily if grabbed by a predator.