Epitrix brevis

Schwarz, 1878

Epitrix brevis is a flea beetle in the Chrysomelidae, native to North America and recently detected as an in Europe. First recorded in Italy in 2024, it feeds on solanaceous plants including economically important crops. In its native range, it is not considered a major pest, but its establishment in Europe raises concerns for agricultural impacts due to favorable conditions and potential lack of natural enemies.

Epitrix brevis by (c) Joshua Ebright, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Joshua Ebright. Used under a CC-BY license.Epitrix brevis by no rights reserved, uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh. Used under a CC0 license.Epitrix brevis by (c) Victor Engel, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Victor Engel. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Epitrix brevis: /ˈɛ.pɪ.trɪks ˈbrɛ.wɪs/

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

Identification

Small flea beetle, distinguished by morphological features consistent with Epitrix; identification requires examination of genitalia or molecular analysis (COI barcode). Similar to other Epitrix species, particularly the E. cucumeris and E. papa, which have caused significant crop damage in Europe. Accurate identification relies on taxonomic keys or .

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Habitat

Country roadsides with wild Solanaceae vegetation; native range includes agricultural and semi-natural . In Italy, found in a rural area near the port of Salerno, suggesting potential association with transport corridors.

Distribution

Native to Ontario, Canada and multiple U.S. states. in Italy (Campania region, Omignano Scalo, 40°15.34'N, 15°08.31'E), representing the first detection in Europe (2024).

Diet

Solanaceous plants ( Solanaceae). In Italy, observed feeding on Solanum nigrum (black nightshade). In native range, feeds on Capsicum frutescens, Solanum lycopersicum (tomato), Solanum tuberosum (potato), and other solanaceous crops.

Host Associations

  • Solanum nigrum - food plantwild in invaded range, Italy
  • Capsicum frutescens - food plantnative range
  • Solanum lycopersicum - food plantnative range, tomato
  • Solanum tuberosum - food plantnative range, potato

Behavior

feed on leaf tissue of plants. Small body size may facilitate accidental transport by humans, contributing to introduction risk.

Ecological Role

Potential agricultural pest in invaded regions. Could cause economic damage to Solanaceae crops if establish in agricultural areas, based on analogies with other Epitrix .

Human Relevance

Agricultural concern as an emerging pest. Potential threat to tomato, potato, pepper, and eggplant production in Europe. Detection near a port authorized for potato import suggests possible introduction via commercial trade.

Similar Taxa

  • Epitrix cucumeris flea beetle causing significant damage to solanaceous crops in Europe; similar size and range
  • Epitrix papaAnother Epitrix damaging potatoes in Europe; requires careful morphological or molecular differentiation
  • Epitrix tuberisNative North American , major potato pest; similar associations and

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Sources and further reading