Flea beetle

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Flea beetle
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Adults and associated damage on cabbage
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Subclass: Pterygota
Infraclass: Neoptera
Superorder: Endopterygota
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Chrysomeloidea
Family: Chrysomelidae
Subfamily: Galerucinae
Tribe: Alticini

The Flea beetle is of the Chrysomelidae family. It is at its most troublesome between April and May during warm settled weather.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Attacks on leaves result in small, round holes which will affect growth and can kill seedlings. If disturbed; the beetles will jump.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Organic[edit | edit source]

Insecticidal soap may provide partial control. Garlic sprays, garlic extracts, onion and mint may all act as natural repellants.[1]

Chemical[edit | edit source]

Pesticides include neem, rotenone, pyrethrin and sabadilla.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Treating seed with an insecticidal seed dressing before sowing will prevent an early attack.[2]

Examples[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Kuepper, G. (2003). "Flea Beetle: Organic Control Options". "National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service". Retrieved 2010-07-18.
  2. Hessayon. D.G. (2009). The Vegetable & Herb Expert. Transworld Publishers, London. ISBN 9780903505468.