Bug Identifier
Flea beetle
Community identification

Flea beetle

Alticini (tribe) / Chrysomelidae (family)

Order & Family
Order: Coleoptera, Family: Chrysomelidae
Size
1.5 mm to 3 mm
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.