White-letter Hairstreak vs Turnip Flea Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute White-letter Hairstreak Turnip Flea Beetle
Scientific Name Satyrium w-album Phyllotreta nemorum
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Lycaenidae Chrysomelidae
Size Wingspan 26-30mm 3-4 mm
Habitat Hedgerows Farmland
Diet Seed Feeders Seed Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia Europe
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

White-letter Hairstreak

A small dark butterfly with a distinctive W-shaped white line on the hindwing underside. Breeds on elm.

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Did You Know?

Has declined dramatically due to Dutch elm disease destroying its food plant across Europe.

Turnip Flea Beetle

A small, shiny black beetle with a broad yellow longitudinal stripe on each elytron. It is a significant pest of turnips, swedes, and oilseed rape in Europe.

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Did You Know?

Spring populations can reach such high densities that entire fields of brassica seedlings can be destroyed within days of germination.