Flea Beetles
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Chrysomelidae
Species:
Cabbage flea beetle (Psylliodes cruciferae)
Other flea beetles
Flea beetle
Pests as adults
Identification
- Pinhead, bronze-black, hard-shelled beetles
- Hop when disturbed
Host plants
- Beets, cole crops and weeds (cabbage family), radishes, potatoes and tomatoes
Symptoms
- Tiny, circular "shot-gun" holes and pits in leaves (especially cotyledons)
Biology
- Adults overwinter in soil and plant debris
- Strong fliers
Control Options
Physical
- Protective row cover
Cultural
- Clean up weedy patches adjoining gardens
- Avoid siting gardens near commercial canola fields
- Fall or spring cultivation
Biocontrol
- Conserve native predatory insects
Pesticides
- Check the Database of Pesticides Registered in Idaho (Kelly Database) for pesticides registered in Idaho
Caution: Read Pesticide Labels
Pesticide labels override other recommendations.