
Community identification
Grape Flea Beetle
Altica chalybea
- Order & Family
- Order: Coleoptera; Family: Chrysomelidae
- Size
- 3 mm to 5 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Found in vineyards, orchards, and urban gardens specifically near grapevines and Virginia creeper plants.
Diet & Feeding
They feed on the buds and leaves of grapevines and related plants. The larvae feed on the leaf surfaces, skeletonizing them.
Behavior Patterns
Adults overwinter in leaf litter and emerge in early spring to feed on swelling buds. They have enlarged hind legs that allow them to jump like fleas when disturbed.
Risks & Benefits
Considered a significant pest in viticulture as they can destroy primary buds, reducing grape yields. They pose no direct risk to humans or pets.