Ragwort Flea Beetle vs American Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Ragwort Flea Beetle | American Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Longitarsus jacobaeae | Eupeodes americanus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 8-11 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Ragwort Flea Beetle
A small black flea beetle that feeds on ragwort plants. Successfully used as a biological control agent for invasive ragwort in Australia and New Zealand. Larvae mine in roots.
Did You Know?
One of the most successful biological control agents ever used, dramatically reducing ragwort in multiple countries.
American Hoverfly
A widespread North American hoverfly with yellow and black markings. Larvae are voracious aphid predators in crop fields.
Did You Know?
A single larva can consume several hundred aphids before pupating.