Nettle-tap Flea Beetle vs Cardo Longhorn

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Nettle-tap Flea Beetle Cardo Longhorn
Scientific Name Longitarsus nasturtii Agapanthia cardui
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Cerambycidae
Size 1.5-2 mm 8-15 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Heathland
Diet Root Feeders Pollen Feeders
Regions Europe Mediterranean Europe, North Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Nettle-tap Flea Beetle

A tiny yellowish-brown flea beetle found on watercress and other crucifers in damp habitats. Larvae mine in plant roots. Can be a minor pest of commercial watercress.

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Did You Know?

Commercially grown watercress can be damaged by this beetle, which is nearly invisible to the naked eye.

Cardo Longhorn

A strikingly patterned longhorn with alternating bands of grey and dark pubescence on the elytra. It specializes on thistle stems across the Mediterranean basin. Adults appear in late spring and are active on warm sunny days.

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Did You Know?

The species name cardui comes from the Latin for thistle, reflecting its exclusive association with these plants.