Western Flower Thrips vs Cicatricosus Scarab

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Western Flower Thrips Cicatricosus Scarab
Scientific Name Frankliniella occidentalis Scarabaeus cicatricosus
Order Thysanoptera Coleoptera
Family Thripidae Scarabaeidae
Size 1-2 mm 18-25 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Pollen Feeders Dung Feeders
Regions Worldwide Iberian Peninsula, North Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Western Flower Thrips

One of the most economically damaging insects in horticulture. Transmits tomato spotted wilt virus. Despite being tiny, causes billions in crop damage annually worldwide.

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Did You Know?

Thrips are among the smallest flying insects — some species are just 0.5 mm long, yet they can be carried by winds to altitudes of over 3,000 meters.

Cicatricosus Scarab

A medium-sized dark roller with a rough, pitted exoskeleton that gives it a scarred appearance. It inhabits coastal sandy areas and constructs dung balls from rabbit and livestock dung. Active primarily at dusk.

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Did You Know?

The rough texture of its exoskeleton helps it grip sand as it rolls dung balls across dune habitats.