
Community identification
Flea beetle (likely)
Alticini, genus uncertain
- Order & Family
- Coleoptera (beetles), Chrysomelidae (leaf beetles)
- Size
- Typically 1.5–4 mm long.
Natural Habitat
Vegetation, garden beds, leaf litter, and soil surfaces; often found near host plants.
Diet & Feeding
Adults chew small holes in leaves and may feed on stems; larvae usually feed on roots or underground plant parts.
Behavior Patterns
Small, oval beetles that commonly jump strongly when disturbed using enlarged hind legs. Adults overwinter in plant debris or soil, then reproduce on host plants.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to people and pets, but can damage seedlings and leafy crops. They are part of food webs and some species help cycle plant material.