Western Striped Flea Beetle – Phyllotreta ramosa

Western Striped Flea Beetle – Phyllotreta Ramose Scientific Name: Phyllotreta Ramose Common Name: Western Striped Flea Beetle Distribution: Before 1700, the striped flea beetle, or Phyllotreta striolata (Fabricius), made its way to North America from its native regions of Asia and Europe. It is currently extensively found in both Canada and the United States, albeit it is less common along the west coast and Rocky Mountain region. The Prairie Provinces of Canada are well-known for it. Host plants: Often referred to as the striped cabbage flea beetle, the striped flea beetle is a species that feeds on crucifers. It will also consume mustard oil-containing plants from the families Capparidaceae and Tropaeola-ceae, just as other insects that feed on Cruciferae. Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, mustard, radish, rutabaga, turnip, and watercress are among the vegetables that are frequently attacked by it. The claims that it has attacked non-cruciferous garden produce are untrue; in reality, the insects are feeding on cruciferous weeds that grow alongside the veggies. Black mustard (Brassica nigra), flixweed (Descurainia sophia), pepperweed (Lepidium densiflorum), shepherdspurse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), yellow rocket (Barbara vulgaris), and other common cruciferous weeds are among the weeds that make good hosts. Identification: Adult flea beetles are hard, glossy, and small—about 0.125 inches long—with larger rear legs that enable them to leap. Different species have different colors and patterns (such the pale striped and potato flea beetles). Although some species’ larvae may mine leaves or plant stems, most larvae dwell in the soil. Larvae have short legs, rigid, black heads, and pale yellow to white coloring. More mature larvae might look like tiny wireworms. Life Cycle: The striped flea beetle only produces one generation year in Canada, yet it only takes a month to complete its life cycle. In the adult stage, overwintering takes place in the leaf litter and soil. In the southern states, adults become active in March; in the Midwest and southern Canada, they do so in April; in northern Canada, they do not become active until June. Overwintering adults are numerous in Saskatchewan from mid- to late-June, while summer generation beetles become prevalent in late July. In New York, comparable population patterns have been noted. Early in the season, beetles fly higher (1-2 m) and more actively than later in the season. They usually cohabit alongside crucifer flea beetles, however they become active approximately two weeks before them. Uncertainty surrounds reports of a second generation from North Carolina and New York. Though it is uncertain, the life cycle of the western striped flea beetle is probably quite similar to that of the striped flea beetle. Damage: The undersides of leaves are the feeding ground for adult flea beetles, which leave behind tiny pits or asymmetrically formed holes. Seedlings can be killed or stunted by large populations. While their older, lower leaves may sustain damage, older plants seldom experience economic harm. Damage is mostly done by adults. Although most flea beetle larvae feed on roots, peppers are typically not economically affected by this activity. Management:  Common seedling pests include flea beetles, and keeping an eye on just sprouted seedlings is essential to identifying a population that is causing damage. Replanting and controlling weeds surrounding the field helps reduce the harm that these pests may do. After harvest, remove weeds from the edges of the field and thoroughly disc any plant debris that is infected. Given that canola and other cruciferous (Brassicaceae) weeds are frequent hosts from which beetles might move into pepper fields, pay close attention to these plants. Generally, the issue is avoided by transplanting peppers, unless there is an exceptionally large beetle population.