Flea Beetles
Alticini
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Chrysomeloidea
- Family: Chrysomelidae
- Subfamily: Galerucinae
- Tribe: Alticini
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Alticini: /ælˈtɪsɪnaɪ/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Alticini are a large tribe of flea beetles recognized for their jumping ability, feeding habits, and their role as both pests and beneficial insects in various ecosystems.
Physical Characteristics
Small to moderately sized beetles, characterized by greatly enlarged femora on the hind legs that facilitate jumping. Many species exhibit dark, shiny, and often metallic colors.
Identification Tips
Males usually have enlarged protarsomere I, differentiated enlarged hind leg femora.
Habitat
Flea beetles are found worldwide and throughout North America, often in areas where they can access their host plants.
Distribution
Approximately 10,000 species in over 600 genera globally, with 470 described species in around 50 genera in North America.
Diet
Adults feed externally on plant surfaces, consuming leaves, stems, and petals. Some larvae are root feeders.
Life Cycle
Life cycles can include several stages: egg, larva (feeding on plant roots in some species), pupa, and adult.
Reproduction
Flea beetles reproduce by laying eggs on or near host plants where larvae can feed upon hatching.
Predators
Natural predators include braconid wasps and tachinid flies, which can help control flea beetle populations.
Ecosystem Role
Flea beetles can act as pests or beneficial insects; beneficial species help control weeds, while some damage crops.
Economic Impact
Can be a pest to major agricultural crops such as cruciferous plants and various garden species, causing significant economic losses.
Cultural Significance
Flea beetle jumping ability is notable in studies that explore biomimicry, inspiring designs for robotic legs.
Collecting Methods
- Sweep netting
- Hand collection
- Pitfall traps
Preservation Methods
- Drying
- Pinning
- Alcohol preservation
Evolution
Jumping hind legs in flea beetles evolved multiple times within the Galerucinae.
Misconceptions
Flea beetles are often misidentified as pests without recognizing their role in controlling certain weeds.
Tags
- Alticini
- Flea Beetles
- Chrysomelidae
- Beneficial Insects
- Pest Management