Flea Beetle

Altica tredecimmaculata

The Flea Beetle is a small beetle that can jump like a flea! It's often found on plants, munching on leaves.

Habitat: Gardens and fields

Appearance

The Flea Beetle is a tiny insect, typically oval or rounded, with a shiny, often metallic body in colors like black, blue, green, or brown. It has noticeably thicker hind legs compared to its front ones, which makes it look different from many other small beetles.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyChrysomelidaeGenusAltica

Flea Beetle

Interesting facts

Despite their tiny size, Flea Beetles can leap many times their own body length!

Flea Beetle babies live hidden underground, munching on plant roots before becoming adults!

If you try to catch one, it will likely spring away faster than you can even blink!

Some Flea Beetles are so picky, they only eat leaves from one special type of plant!

Special abilities

Flea Beetle can jump incredibly far and fast because of its powerful, enlarged hind legs, helping them escape predators.

Flea Beetle has a tough, hard exoskeleton that protects its body from many physical threats and impacts.

Some Flea Beetles can release defensive chemicals when threatened, deterring predators with an unpleasant taste.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 3-9 mm
Size: 1.5-4.5 mm
Lifespan: 30-60 days
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

These tiny beetles are plant-eaters, munching on leaves and roots to grow and thrive.

Age differences: Larvae eat roots underground, while adults feed on plant leaves above ground.

Primary Foods

Mustard plants
Radish
Potato
Eggplant
Spinach
Corn

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

House Sparrow

Passer domesticus

Common bird that preys on Flea Beetles.

eaten by

Big-eyed Bug

Geocoris pallens

Predatory insect that captures small beetles.

eats

Wild Cabbage

Brassica oleracea

Adults feed on the leaves, creating small holes.

eats

Potato

Solanum tuberosum

Adults and larvae consume leaves and roots.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Camouflaged

Look closely for animals that are masters of disguise, blending perfectly into their surroundings! Their colors and patterns help them hide from others.

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Urban Friendly

Spot amazing living things that thrive right alongside us in cities and towns, finding homes in parks, gardens, and even cracks in pavements.

Nocturnal

Explore the secret world of animals that come alive at night! They are wide awake when it's dark, using their amazing senses to find food and play.

Pollinator

Meet the busy helpers of the plant world! These creatures carry pollen from one flower to another, helping plants make seeds and grow fruits and vegetables.