Bug Identifier
Grape Flea Beetle
Community identification

Grape Flea Beetle

Altica chalybea

Order & Family
Order: Coleoptera; Family: Chrysomelidae
Size
3 mm to 5 mm in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.