Neocrepidodera ferruginea

(Scopoli, 1763)

European rusted flea beetle, Altise ferrugineuse européenne

Neocrepidodera ferruginea is a in the , to Europe and to North America. are in color and feed on a variety of herbaceous plants, particularly grasses and composites. The inhabits meadows and grasslands, and has been recorded from numerous plants including Poaceae, Asteraceae, and various weeds. develop within roots and central stems of host plants. In North America, it was first documented in Ontario and Québec in the 1970s and has since spread northeastward, where it is considered a potential agricultural pest.

Neocrepidodera ferruginea by (c) Janet Graham, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Neocrepidodera-ferruginea-09-fws by Francisco Welter-Schultes. Used under a CC0 license.

Neocrepidodera-ferruginea-12-fws by Francisco Welter-Schultes. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Neocrepidodera ferruginea: /niːoʊˌkɹɛpɪˈdoʊɹə ˌfɛɹuːˈdʒɪniə/

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

Identification

Small distinguished from related by coloration and associations. In North America, identification should be confirmed by comparison with Neocrepidodera species and other brown . The species was first documented in North America through specimens from Niagara Falls, Ontario (1977) and Aylmer, Québec (2003).

Images

Habitat

Meadows, grasslands, and open herbaceous areas. In North America, found in both wild and cultivated areas including grasslands and agricultural fields.

Distribution

to Europe, where it occurs across the entire continent. to North America: first recorded in southern Ontario (likely 1970s or possibly 1960s), with confirmed specimens from Niagara Falls (1977) and subsequent spread to Aylmer, Québec (by 2003). Also recorded from the Azores (São Miguel, Santa Maria).

Diet

feed on leaves and flowers of various herbaceous plants including grasses (Poaceae) and composites (Asteraceae). Recorded plants include Alopecurus pratense, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Poa pratensis, Aster spp., Solidago spp., and various other weeds and cultivated plants.

Host Associations

Alopecurus pratense - feedingmeadow foxtail
Dactylis glomerata - feedingorchard-grass
Festuca rubra - feedingred fescue-grass
Poa pratensis - feedingKentucky -grass
Aster spp. - feedingflowers
Solidago spp. - feedinggoldenrods
Cirsium - feeding
Trifolium - feeding
Urtica dioica - feedingstinging nettle
Vicia - feeding

Life Cycle

develop inside roots and central stems of plants, including cereals. are active on above-ground vegetation. Specific details of and not documented in available sources.

Behavior

are active on vegetation and can be collected by sweeping. Jumping typical of (Alticini), enabled by enlarged hind .

Ecological Role

feeding on grasses and herbaceous plants. Preyed upon by various including of , , and occasionally .

Human Relevance

Considered a potential agricultural pest in North America, particularly threatening to cereal if it spreads to the Prairie provinces. Suggested were formally proposed upon its North discovery: "European rusted " (English) and "Altise ferrugineuse européenne" (French).

Similar Taxa

Native Neocrepidodera species in North AmericaSimilar coloration and ; requires careful examination to distinguish N. ferruginea from congenerics.
Other brown AlticiniMany share similar size and coloration; associations and geographic origin help distinguish this European introduction.

More Details

Introduction history to North America

Likely at an international port on the Great Lakes in the early 1970s, or possibly earlier in the 1960s. Exact location and date of introduction could not be precisely determined. The has dispersed approximately 375 km northeastward from Niagara Falls to Aylmer, Québec over about 26 years (1977–2003).