Tobacco Flea Beetle vs Colorado Leaf Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tobacco Flea Beetle | Colorado Leaf Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Epitrix hirtipennis | Leptinotarsa juncta |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Chrysomelidae |
| Size | 1.5-2 mm | 8-11 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America, Central America | Southeastern United States |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Its feeding holes reduce the quality and market value of tobacco wrapper leaves used for cigars.
Colorado Leaf Beetle
A close relative of the Colorado potato beetle with similar striped elytra but alternating dark and light brown stripes rather than black and yellow. It feeds on native horsenettle.
Did You Know?
Unlike its notorious relative the Colorado potato beetle, this species has not adapted to crop plants and remains relatively harmless to agriculture.