Banded Fungus Beetle vs Alder Spittlebug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Banded Fungus Beetle Alder Spittlebug
Scientific Name Triplax russica Aphrophora alni
Order Coleoptera Hemiptera
Family Erotylidae Aphrophoridae
Size 3-5 mm 8-10 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Fungus Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Europe Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Banded Fungus Beetle

A small, attractively colored beetle with a red thorax and dark blue-black elytra. Lives on bracket fungi on dead trees. Part of a family known for bright coloring.

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Did You Know?

The contrasting red and blue-black coloring makes this one of the most attractive fungus beetles.

Alder Spittlebug

A common European spittlebug found on willows and alders. Nymphs produce copious frothy spittle masses and adults can jump impressive distances.

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Did You Know?

The frothy spittle mass protects the nymph from temperature extremes, predators, and parasitoids while also preventing desiccation.