Altica litigata

Fall, 1910

crepe myrtle flea beetle, evening primrose flea beetle, primrose willow flea beetle

Altica litigata is a flea beetle in the Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the crepe myrtle flea beetle. The is oligophagous, feeding on plants in the Lythraceae and Onagraceae families, including cultivated ornamentals such as crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.) and evening primroses (Oenothera spp.). It is found in Central America and North America. The species exhibits aggregate feeding that results in severe defoliation of plants, causing economic damage in container nurseries in the southern United States while also serving as a naturally occurring agent for aquatic weeds such as Ludwigia hexapetala in California.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Altica litigata: //ˈæltɪkə ˌlɪtɪˈɡɑːtə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Habitat

Aquatic and riparian environments; associated with plants in wetlands, nurseries, and landscaped areas. In California, specifically documented in association with aquatic weed Ludwigia hexapetala. Container nursery environments in the southern United States where crape myrtle is grown.

Distribution

Central America and North America; specifically documented in California (USA) in association with Ludwigia hexapetala, and in the southern United States where it is a pest of crape myrtle in container nurseries. GBIF records indicate presence in Middle America, North America, and Ontario, Canada.

Diet

Herbivorous; oligophagous feeder on plants in Lythraceae and Onagraceae . Documented include Lagerstroemia spp. (crape myrtle), Ludwigia hexapetala (Uruguayan primrose-willow), Ludwigia peploides (creeping water primrose), Oenothera spp. (evening primroses), and Gaura lindheimeri. Feeds on both weedy and cultivated , including plants in commercial nurseries.

Host Associations

Lagerstroemia spp. - primary crape myrtle; major pest in container nurseries in southern United States
Ludwigia hexapetala - Uruguayan primrose-willow; aquatic weed in California
Ludwigia peploides - creeping water primrose; not specified
Oenothera speciosa - showy evening primrose; optimal development in laboratory studies
Oenothera laciniata - cutleaf evening primrose
Oenothera missouriensis - Missouri evening primrose
Gaura lindheimeri - multiple cultivars including 'Siskyou pink', 'Corries gold', 'Whirling butterflies'
Lythrum alatum - winged loosestrife
Lythrum salicaria - purple loosestrife

Life Cycle

Development from to is temperature-dependent and varies by plant. On crape myrtle, development ranges from 17.5 days at 35°C to 74.3 days at 15°C. Egg development ranges from 4.5 days at 30°C to 15.8 days at 15°C. Averaged across six host plants, larval and pupal development requires 237.3 above a threshold of 9.2°C; eggs require 87.5 degree-days above a 9.8°C threshold. Survival to adulthood is highest at 25-30°C and lowest at temperature extremes (15°C and 35°C).

Behavior

Exhibits aggregate feeding that typically results in severe defoliation of plants. Produces himachalene-type sesquiterpenes as volatile emissions. feeding damage is economically significant in nursery settings.

Ecological Role

Functions as both a pest and a naturally occurring agent. Causes economic damage to ornamentals, particularly crape myrtle in container nurseries. Serves as biological control for aquatic weed Ludwigia hexapetala in California waterways.

Human Relevance

Important pest of crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.) in container nurseries in the southern United States, with severity increasing substantially over the past decade. Economic impact includes defoliation events requiring applications. Monitoring of weedy or cultivated Oenothera spp. in late winter or early spring can predict new using models (300-400 degree-days above 10°C threshold) to time scouting and prevent economic loss.

More Details

Volatile Chemistry

Two himachalene-type sesquiterpenes have been characterized as volatile emissions from A. litigata in association with its plant Ludwigia hexapetala.

Developmental Modeling

Linear thermal unit models have been developed for each life stage and for combined larval/pupal development, allowing prediction of damaging stages based on temperature and plant.