Steel-blue Grapevines Beetle (likely an Altica species)
Scientific Name: Altica chalybea
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera, Family: Chrysomelidae
Size: 4–5 mm (approximately 0.16–0.2 inches)
Natural Habitat
Typically found in vineyards, gardens, and woodlands near wild or cultivated grapevines and Virginia creeper.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivorous; both larvae and adults feed on the buds and foliage of grapevines and related plants.
Behavior Patterns
Adults overwinter in leaf litter and emerge in early spring to feed on buds. They display a characteristic jumping behavior when disturbed and undergo complete metamorphosis.
Risks & Benefits
No risk to humans or pets. They are considered agricultural pests because their feeding can damage young grape buds and skeletonize leaves, reducing fruit yield.
Identified on: 3/16/2026