HPIPM:Flea Beetles CC

Author: Jay D. Donahue & Michael J. Brewer

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

Flea beetles are common insects in cole crops, and can cause damage by slowing growth or thinning seedling stands. Leafy crops may continue to be damaged later in the season. In larger plants, damage is mostly cosmetic and does not hurt plant health. Mustards, radish and Chinese cabbage are preferred hosts.

Identification (and life cycle/seasonal history)

Flea beetle adults are small (three to five millimeters) beetles, which characteristically jump off plants when disturbed. The larvae are tiny and whitish, and are found feeding on plant roots. The most common species affecting cole crops, the western cabbage flea beetle, overwinters in the adult stage in and around crop residue, becoming active early in the spring, usually feeding on wild crucifers. The larvae are laid in soil near the crop seedlings, feeding on root hairs. Three generations per year are typical. Other flea beetle species may feed on cole plants, but are less likely to damage plants other than small, slow-growing seedlings.

Plant response and Damage

Fleas beetle adults chew holes or pits in the leaves of plants; sometimes the area around the wound develops a purplish or brown color. The larvae do not damage plants by their feeding.

Cultural Control

Since seedlings are most at risk, providing plants with good seedbeds, optimal water and fertilization, or using vigorous transplants that can outgrow early damage will all minimize plant death or retarded growth caused by flea beetle feeding. Higher than normal seeding rates, to be thinned later, may also allow feeding without yield loss. Highly susceptible trap crops, or even wild crucifer host plants, can be grown and later destroyed to divert flea beetles from the main crop. Crop rotation and tillage of crop residue is unlikely to be of much benefit in avoiding flea beetle infestations. In garden settings or for high value crops, row covers over seedlings separate flea beetles from the plants during establishment.

Host Plant Resistance

Mature plants' health is not affected negatively by flea beetle feeding.

Biological Control

Flea beetles are attacked by predators, parasites and other consumers, but little is known about the mechanics explaining population variation from year to year.

Chemical Control

Control is usually needed only during establishment, though several treatments may be necessary in slow-growing plants, since adults become active over an extended period. Leafy crops may require treatment as harvest approaches to preserve marketability. Insecticides will not control extremely high populations of flea beetles.

Due to constantly changing labels, laws and regulations, the sponsors of this web site assume no liability for the suggested use of any chemicals noted in the management section. Contact your local pest management personnel for current information on labeled pesticides that can be used for the intended plant disease, insect pest or weed.