The Red Flea Beetle (Sphaeroderma rubidum) is a small insect in the Chrysomelidae family and Neocrepidodera sub-family of flea beetles. It is a chrysomelid. It is also referred to as the Red Altise Beetle or Red Artichoke Beetle. 

The Red Flea Beetle is entirely red or rusty-red or orange-red. It has a round domed abdomen (almost circular or globular), with red elytra (wing cases). It has a wide head and large eyes. The pronotum (behind the head) has no grooves. Its six legs are light-red. It has long, thin antennae that are close together. Its hind (back) legs are longer than its front legs, which enables it to hop.

It measures 3-4 millimetres (less than a quarter of an inch) in length. 

It is common throughout Europe and North Africa and visible for most of the year, but usually from May to September. It likes mossy and grassy areas in woodlands and along roadsides. In winter, its larvae (grubs) live in the soil. 

It feeds on the leaves of plants, such as thistles and artichokes.

Location of photographs: Paris, France

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM