
Community identification
Flea beetle (likely)
Alticini spp.
- Order & Family
- Coleoptera; Chrysomelidae
- Size
- About 1.5–6 mm long; the photograph is too distant for species-level identification.
Natural Habitat
Vegetation, garden plants, leaf litter, and occasionally indoor walls after being brought inside on clothing or plants.
Diet & Feeding
Adults chew small, round holes in leaves, especially brassicas and other herbaceous plants; larvae usually feed on roots.
Behavior Patterns
Small, dark, often shiny beetles that jump strongly when disturbed using enlarged hind legs. Most are active in warm conditions and shelter in plant debris.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to people and pets, though heavy infestations can damage seedlings and crops. They are part of food webs and some species help recycle plant material.