Nettle-tap Flea Beetle vs Red-Shouldered Aphodius
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Nettle-tap Flea Beetle | Red-Shouldered Aphodius |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Longitarsus nasturtii | Aphodius rufipes |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Scarabaeidae |
| Size | 1.5-2 mm | 10-13 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Farmland |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Dung Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Commercially grown watercress can be damaged by this beetle, which is nearly invisible to the naked eye.
Red-Shouldered Aphodius
A medium-sized dweller dung beetle that is entirely black except for reddish-brown leg joints. It is strongly attracted to lights at night and is one of the larger European Aphodius species. Larvae develop inside cattle dung.
Did You Know?
On warm summer nights, large numbers can be seen flying to artificial lights near cattle pastures.