
Community identification
Flea beetle
Alticini (tribe) / Chrysomelidae (family)
- Order & Family
- Order: Coleoptera, Family: Chrysomelidae
- Size
- 1.5 mm to 3 mm
Natural Habitat
Gardens, fields, and agricultural areas with an abundance of foliage and weeds.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivorous; feeds on the leaves and stems of various plants, often creating tiny, rounded 'shot-hole' damage.
Behavior Patterns
Named for their ability to jump long distances when disturbed, similar to fleas. They are most active during warm sunny days.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can be a significant agricultural and garden pest, damaging seedlings and crop foliage. Benefits: Serves as a food source for various predators in the local ecosystem.