Crepidodera nana

Say, 1824

tiny aspen flea beetle

Crepidodera nana is a flea beetle in the Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the tiny aspen flea beetle. It is native to North America and has been recorded from multiple Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. As a member of the Galerucinae and tribe Alticini, it possesses the enlarged hind characteristic of flea beetles that enable jumping. The epithet 'nana' refers to its small size.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Crepidodera nana: /kriˈpɪdəriˈkeər/

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Identification

Specific diagnostic features distinguishing C. nana from are not documented in available sources. Identification likely requires examination of genitalia and other microscopic characters typical for the Crepidodera.

Appearance

Small flea beetle with enlarged hind adapted for jumping, characteristic of the tribe Alticini. Specific morphological details beyond general flea beetle features are not documented in available sources.

Habitat

Associated with aspen (Populus spp.) based on its ; specific requirements are not documented.

Distribution

Native to North America. Documented from Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. Distribution within the United States is not specified in available sources.

Diet

Flea beetles in the Crepidodera are generally associated with plants in the Salicaceae, particularly willows and poplars. The 'tiny aspen flea beetle' suggests association with aspen (Populus tremuloides or related ).

Host Associations

  • Populus - plantimplied by 'tiny aspen flea beetle'

Behavior

possess enlarged hind enabling jumping characteristic of flea beetles (Alticini).

Similar Taxa

  • Chaetocnema quadricollisBoth are small flea beetles (Alticini) that may occur on similar plants; C. quadricollis is associated with Hibiscus and rosemallow, while C. nana is associated with aspen
  • Other Crepidodera species share similar and associations with Salicaceae; microscopic examination required for definitive identification

More Details

Taxonomic history

Described by Thomas Say in 1824. The specific epithet 'nana' is Latin for 'dwarf' or 'small', referring to the ' diminutive size.

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Sources and further reading