Epitrix hirtipennis
From BugwoodWiki
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Description
Adult tobacco flea beetles are small, hard-shelled, black beetles about 1.5 mm long. Wing covers have rows of fine but distinct punctures. Larvae are slender and white with a brownish head and are less than 5 mm in length.
Hosts
Tobacco, tomato, potato, jimsonweed, horsenettle, and ground cherry.
Damage
Adults damage plants by chewing small rounded holes through the leaves resulting in a "shot hole" appearance. Larvae feed on roots of host plants and may tunnel into plants.
Life Cycle
Adults overwinter in litter and plant debris around fields. In early spring, adults emerge and lay eggs on the soil surface
Control
On tobacco several foliar insecticides and systemics for use in transplant water are available to control flea beetles. On large plants, higher rates should be used, and care should be taken to thoroughly cover the lower leaves with spray.
