Tobacco Flea Beetle vs Binodis Dung Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tobacco Flea Beetle Binodis Dung Beetle
Scientific Name Epitrix hirtipennis Onthophagus binodis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Scarabaeidae
Size 1.5-2 mm 6-10 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Herbivores Dung Feeders
Regions North America, Central America Southern Africa, introduced to Australia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Tobacco Flea Beetle

A tiny brownish beetle that creates small round holes in tobacco and other solanaceous crop leaves. Larval feeding on roots further weakens plants.

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Did You Know?

Its feeding holes reduce the quality and market value of tobacco wrapper leaves used for cigars.

Binodis Dung Beetle

A small, brown-black tunneling dung beetle with two small nodules on the male head. It was introduced to Australia from southern Africa. It is well adapted to Mediterranean climates with seasonal activity.

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Did You Know?

It is most active during the cooler autumn and spring months, complementing summer-active introduced species.