![]() ![]() Normally they cause little, if any, significant damage to the plants. Soil-dwelling flea beetle larvae are very small, pale-colored and worm-like. ![]() Most develop in the soil, feeding on plant roots. However, immature stages (larvae) may have differing habits. Flea beetles can fly well and may fly long distances in search of suitable plants.Īdults of all flea beetles feed on leaves of plants. They typically begin to become active during warm days in early-mid Spring and then seek out the types of plants on which they feed. Life History and Habitsįlea beetles spend the winter in the adult stage, hidden under leaves, dirt clods or in other protected sites. ![]() One group of flea beetles ( Aphthona species) was purposefully introduced into the state to feed on and help manage leafy spurge, an important invasive weed. Others have a taste for broccoli, cabbage and other crucifer crops. For example, some flea beetles feed only on potatoes, tomatoes and other members of the nightshade family. Although there is some overlap of tastes, each type of flea beetle has a decided preference for certain plants. The holes in leaves also damage plant appearance, which can be important when growing certain leafy vegetables and ornamental flowers.ĭozens of species of flea beetles are found in Colorado (Table 1). Growth may be seriously retarded and in severe infestations plants can be killed. Young plants and seedlings are particularly susceptible to flea beetle damage. Young stages (larvae) of most flea beetles feed on the roots but some develop chewing leaves. The adult beetles feed on leaves, chewing small pits that produce shothole wounds, resembling injuries that might be produced by fine buckshot. Injuries are usually minor and easily outgrown on established plants.įlea beetles are small beetles that jump.
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