Flea beetles can be found on a wide variety of plants. However, most flea beetles attack only a few, closely related plant species. Their occurrence at Fontenelle Nature Center is not known. Flea beetles spend the winter in the adult stage, hidden under leaves, dirt clods or in other protected sites. They typically begin to become active during warm days in midspring but may straggle out over several weeks. Many flea beetles are strong fliers and seek out emerging host plants, which they locate by chemical cues the plants produce.

A member of the Alticinae subfamily of the Leaf beetle family. They get their name from their jumping ability. Flea beetles are common pests of many vegetable Crops. They occasionally damage flowers, shrubs and even trees. Adult beetles, which produce most plant injuries, are typically small, often shiny, and have large rear legs that allow them to jump like a flea when disturbed.