Page 60 - AG 7-2011 Revised 2016

Flea Beetle Flea Beetle

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

Flea Beetle Flea Beetle

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

1.Antenna-thread like 6.Thorax-yes Flea Beetle

2.Eyes- compound 7.Petiole- none 18

3.Head- facing foreword chewing mouthparts 8.Abdomen- elytra above abdomen 6

4.Legs- 6 9.Color- metallic Drawing by Andrew Schaible

5.Wings- yes 10.Other- can jump away when

disturbed

Life Cycle
Eggs are laid on the underside of leaves, sometimes as many as 600-800 will

be laid. They hatch within a week, with the larvae feeding upon leaves for the

next 1-2 weeks until they reach the ground, where they will pupate. Adults

emerge in about 10 days, and then feed upon a wide variety of greenery. There

can be two generations per year.

These are actually Leaf Beetles, but have gained this nickname due to their small size and
ability to hop. They are usually found on foliage and flowers. Some are very brightly colored
and have an oval-shaped body. Size ranges from ¼ up to ½ inch in the varied species.

Flea beetles can be serious pests--they often damage dichondra lawns and are found as deep
as 5 inches beneath the surface. Other species can damage plant leaves, leaving only a
skeleton behind.

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