Taxonomy

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Arthropoda
Subphylum	Hexapoda
Class	Insecta
Subclass	Pterygota
Infraclass	Neoptera
Order	Coleoptera
Suborder	Polyphaga
Infraorder	Cucujiformia
Superfamily	Chrysomeloidea
Family	Chrysomelidae
Subfamily	Galerucinae
Tribe	Alticini
Genus	Epitrix

Scientific Name

Epitrix hirtipennis

Common Name

tobacco flea beetle

Authors: Dr. Phillip Roberts, Dr. Paul Guillebeau, University of Georgia

Description

Adults 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.

Originally compiled from

Roberts, P. and P. Guillebeau. Tobacco Flea Beetle. University of Georgia.