Chaetocnema hortensis

(Geoffroy, 1785)

Chaetocnema hortensis is a flea beetle in the Chrysomelidae, Alticinae. The measures 1.5 to 2.3 mm in length and exhibits metallic coloration ranging from bronze or coppery to sometimes green. It is widespread across the Palearctic region, including Europe and eastward to the Amur region. The species has been recorded as a pest of crops.

Chaetocnema hortensis by (c) portioid, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by portioid. Used under a CC-BY license.

Chaetocnema hortensis by (c) Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas. Used under a CC-BY license.

Chaetocnema-hortensis-12-fws by Francisco Welter-Schultes. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chaetocnema hortensis: /ˌkiːtoʊkˈniːmə hɔːrˈtɛnsɪs/

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

Identification

Distinguished from similar flea beetles by its small size (1.5–2.3 mm), metallic bronze to green coloration, and Palearctic distribution. The Chaetocnema contains multiple small, metallic that require careful examination for definitive identification. Separation from C. quadricollis and other typically relies on subtle morphological characters of the tibiae, , and male genitalia.

Images

Appearance

Small measuring 1.5 to 2.3 mm in length. Body coloration is bronze or coppery, sometimes with metallic green tones. As a member of the flea beetle Alticinae, it possesses enlarged hind adapted for jumping.

Habitat

Agricultural and cultivated environments; associated with crop plants. Specific natural preferences beyond cultivated areas are not well documented.

Distribution

Palearctic region, widespread in Europe, extending east to the Amur region. Distribution records include the Azores islands (Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Pico, São Jorge).

Diet

Herbivorous; feeds on crop plants. Specific plant associations are not clearly documented in available sources.

Behavior

Possesses jumping ability characteristic of flea beetles (Alticinae), using enlarged hind legs to escape disturbance.

Ecological Role

Herbivore; crop pest. Specific ecological functions beyond agricultural pest status are not documented.

Human Relevance

Documented as a pest of agricultural crops. The extent of economic damage and specific crops affected are not detailed in available sources.

Similar Taxa

Chaetocnema quadricollisSimilar small size and metallic appearance, but associated with Hibiscus (rosemallow) in North America and distinguished by plant and distribution.
Chaetocnema pulicariaLarger corn flea beetle (approximately 2–3 mm), black rather than metallic, North American distribution, and major of Stewart's wilt in maize.

More Details

Taxonomic history

Originally described as Altica hortensis by Geoffroy in 1785, later transferred to Chaetocnema. The basionym Altica hortensis reflects early classification within the broader flea beetle group.

Research limitations

Available literature focuses primarily on basic and distribution. Detailed studies of , specific associations, and economic impact appear limited in accessible sources.