Water Spinach Flea Beetle vs Dark Soldier Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Water Spinach Flea Beetle | Dark Soldier Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chaetocnema basalis | Cantharis obscura |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Cantharidae |
| Size | 1.5-2 mm | 9-13 mm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Meadows |
| Diet | Seed Feeders | Pollen Feeders |
| Regions | South and Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Water Spinach Flea Beetle
A tiny, shiny dark bronze to black flea beetle that is a significant pest of rice seedlings and water spinach across tropical Asia. Its shot-hole feeding weakens young plants.
Did You Know?
Despite its minute size, this beetle can cause devastating damage to rice nurseries when it attacks seedlings at the one-leaf stage.
Dark Soldier Beetle
A dark-colored European soldier beetle often found on umbelliferous flowers. Its entirely dark elytra distinguish it from the more colorful soldier beetle species.
Did You Know?
Larvae are velvety black and hunt small invertebrates among leaf litter throughout the winter months.