Striped Flea Beetle

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phyllotreta striolata: /ˌfɪloʊˈtriːtə ˌstraɪəˈleɪtə/

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Summary

Phyllotreta striolata, commonly known as the striped flea beetle, is a small pest of brassicas, known for its shiny black body and distinctive yellow markings on its elytra. It primarily damages young plants by feeding on leaves, and its larvae inhabit the soil where they feed on roots. Effective management includes cultural practices, resistant plant varieties, and biological control methods.

Physical Characteristics

2.1-2.5 mm long, elongate oval shape, shiny black with greenish tinge; elytra marked with yellow wavy line; basal three antennae segments yellow-brown; head, pronotum and elytra closely punctate with substriate punctures.

Identification Tips

Look for shiny black beetles with a greenish tinge and a distinctive wavy amber line on the elytra. The beetles are small, measuring about 1.5 to 2.5 mm in length.

Habitat

Commonly found in areas where brassicas are grown, both in cultivated fields and weedy habitats.

Distribution

Eurasian in origin, now widespread across North America (excluding much of the Rocky Mountain region) and present in South Africa.

Diet

Adults primarily feed on the foliage of host plants, causing small round pits in leaves and cotyledons. Larvae feed on the roots of host plants but are not significant pests.

Life Cycle

Eggs are laid in the soil near host plants; larvae hatch and feed on roots for about 3 to 4 weeks, then pupate for 7 to 10 days before emerging as adults. Generations can occur continuously in warmer climates.

Reproduction

Eggs are deposited in soil near the host plants.

Predators

Parasitoids such as braconid wasps (e.g., Microtonus spp.) and biological control agents like nematodes (Steinernema spp.).

Ecosystem Role

Acts as a pest of Brassica crops, contributing to the ecological interaction between pests and plants.

Economic Impact

Considered a pest, particularly of brassicas; can cause significant damage to young plants.

Collecting Methods

• Handpicking from plants
• Traps baited with attractants

Preservation Methods

• Ethanol preservation
• Pinning specimens

Misconceptions

Some may confuse it with other flea beetles, but its distinct coloration and markings differentiate it.

Tags

• beetle
• pest
• Brassica
• agriculture
• insect pest