Flea Beetle
ExploreInsects
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
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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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
Ability
Super Leap
Flea Beetle can jump incredibly far and fast because of its powerful, enlarged hind legs, helping them escape predators.
Ability
Armor Coat
Flea Beetle has a tough, hard exoskeleton that protects its body from many physical threats and impacts.
Ability
Chemical Shield
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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Flea Beetle's wingspan?
3-9 mm
How big is Flea Beetle?
1.5-4.5 mm
How long does Flea Beetle live?
30-60 days
What does Flea Beetle eat?
These tiny beetles are plant-eaters, munching on leaves and roots to grow and thrive.
Where is Flea Beetle usually found?
Gardens and fields
How does Flea Beetle hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Flea Beetle have?
6
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