Flea Beetles of the Genus Altica: Altica spp. (Insecta: Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Abstract

Flea beetles are in the largest subfamily (Alticinae) of the family Chrysomelidae, or leaf beetles (Furth 1988). The name Altica is derived from the Greek word haltikos, which translates to good jumper. Although this group of insects are named flea beetles, this is not because the form of the body resembles fleas, but rather because they have strong hind legs allowing them to jump long distances like true fleas (Siphonaptera). Their great jumping skills are thought to have evolved as a mechanism to escape from predators. This document is also available on the Featured Creatures website at http://entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1238

Common Arthropod Pests in Blackberries and Pomegranates in Florida

“…Females lay their eggs in clutches of 1-15 on the upper and lower surfaces of leaves. Larvae emerge after 5-8 days, are dark brown, and have 10 body segments (Phillips 2019). This species has three larval stages.…”

“…Remove potential weed hosts such as willowherb (Epilobium species) to help prevent establishment (Phillips 2019). Scouting in early spring is also helpful.…”

“…Parasitoids are also known to attack flea beetles. Hymenopterans from the family Braconidae and dipterans from the family Tachinidae are natural predators of flea beetles in Florida (Phillips 2019). Maintaining a healthy predator population will help keep flea beetles from establishing in large numbers.…”