SPOTTED FLEA BEETLE
Kuschelina gibbitaria
LEAF BEETLE FAMILY (Chrysomelidae)
This beetle has green elytra and a red head and thorax. There are black spots on the thorax. It ranges in size from one fifth to two fifths an inch long. It has enlarged hind legs allowing them to jump.
Adults feed on the leaves and the larvae on the root flowers, shrubs, and trees. Flea beetles are common pests of many vegetable crops causing occasional damage. The occurrence in Fontenelle Forest is not known but this photo was taken on cottonwood trail. Comments: Flea beetles are a subfamily (Alticinae) of the leaf beetles. The name is probably attributed to the ability of these beetles to jump. Flea beetles are important pests of cultivated plants: Some flea beetles carry plant diseases.
Flea beetles are a subfamily (Alticinae) of the leaf beetles. The name is probably attributed to the ability of these beetles to jump. Flea beetles are important pests of cultivated plants: Some flea beetles carry plant diseases.
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