Cabbage Flea Beetle – Phyllotreta albionica

Cabbage Flea Beetle   Scientific Name:  Phyllotreta albionica Common Name:  Cabbage flea beetle Appearance:  Cabbage flea beetle is a tiny insect, almost 2 mm in size. They are metallic blue or green with prominent hind legs, which they use for jumping purposes. It also has a pair of feathery antennae that helps sense food and predators nearby. Host Plants or Food: Cabbage flea beetle mainly feeds on cabbage and other vegetative crops and destroys the foliage of the individual plants. Territory: Throughout North America Mode of Damage:  They are mostly leaf chewers and chew tiny holes in the foliage, commonly referred to as “Shothole wounds.” Young seedlings which are not yet mature are more prone to attacks. Habits and Life History: Unlike other insects, cabbage flea beetles overwinter as adults and not as eggs or pupae. They can be found in leaf litter and wooded areas. Although flea beetles are not known to cause serious damage usually, severe infestations may cause the plant to die. The female lays eggs on the foliage, which gives rise to young larva. It actively feeds on the leaves to mature and move to the next phase. The larva drops to the ground to transform into a pupa that later becomes an adult. Depending on the location, there may be 1 or 2 generations per year.