Ragwort Flea Beetle vs Big-headed Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Ragwort Flea Beetle | Big-headed Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Longitarsus jacobaeae | Pipunculus campestris |
| Order | Coleoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Pipunculidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 3-6 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Asia |
| 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.
Big-headed Fly
A small fly with an enormously enlarged, almost entirely eye-covered spherical head. It hovers in vegetation searching for leafhopper hosts in which to parasitize.
Did You Know?
Its enormous eyes give it near-360-degree vision, allowing it to spot leafhoppers from any angle while hovering.