Vedalia Beetle vs Seashore Springtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Vedalia Beetle Seashore Springtail
Scientific Name Novius cardinalis Anurida maritima
Order Coleoptera Collembola
Family Coccinellidae Neanuridae
Size 3-4 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Orchards Beaches & Coastal
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Australia, Worldwide (introduced) Europe, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Vedalia Beetle

A small red-and-black ladybird famous as the first successful biological control agent in history. It saved the California citrus industry from the cottony cushion scale in 1889.

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Did You Know?

Its introduction to California is considered the founding event of modern biological pest control.

Seashore Springtail

A dark blue-black springtail found in dense clusters on rocky seashores at low tide. It survives tidal submersion by trapping air in its body hairs.

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Did You Know?

It can survive being submerged by the tide for hours by breathing trapped air bubbles.