Ragwort Flea Beetle vs Green Tiger Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ragwort Flea Beetle Green Tiger Beetle
Scientific Name Longitarsus jacobaeae Cicindela campestris
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Cicindelidae
Size 2-3 mm 12-15 mm
Habitat Farmland Heathland
Diet Root Feeders Predators
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.

Green Tiger Beetle

A fast-running, metallic green beetle with cream-colored spots. It is a fierce predator that chases down prey on bare ground.

💡

Did You Know?

It runs so fast that it temporarily goes blind and must stop to re-locate its prey.