Community identification
Flea beetle (likely a young or damaged adult)
Alticini sp. (genus uncertain)
- Order & Family
- Coleoptera; Chrysomelidae
- Size
- Usually 1.5–4 mm long; the pictured insect appears only a few millimeters in length.
Natural Habitat
Vegetation, leaf litter, gardens, and agricultural fields, especially where host plants grow.
Diet & Feeding
Adults chew small holes in plant leaves; larvae typically feed on roots or underground plant tissue.
Behavior Patterns
Small, oval beetles that commonly jump when disturbed using enlarged hind legs. Adults are often active on foliage and may overwinter in leaf litter or soil.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to people and pets, with no biting or disease-transmission significance. Some species are agricultural pests, while others contribute to food webs and natural decomposition.