Community identification
Flea beetle (likely)
Alticini sp. (genus/species uncertain)
- Order & Family
- Coleoptera; Chrysomelidae
- Size
- Typically 1.5–4 mm long; the pictured insect appears only a few millimeters in length.
Natural Habitat
Vegetation, garden plants, leaf litter, and occasionally indoor areas after being carried inside.
Diet & Feeding
Adults chew tiny holes in leaves, mainly feeding on plants; larvae usually feed on roots or underground plant parts.
Behavior Patterns
Small, shiny beetles that often jump powerfully when disturbed, using enlarged hind legs. Adults are commonly active in warm, sunny conditions.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to people, pets, clothing, and food, though some species damage garden crops. They are part of plant-insect food webs and contribute modestly to ecosystem biodiversity.