Hop Flea Beetle – Psylliodes punctulata

Hop Flea Beetle – Psylliodes punctulata Common Name: Hop Flea Beetle Latin Name: Psylliodes punctulata Appearance: The Hop Flea Beetle is a small, shiny black beetle measuring 3-4 mm long. It has enlarged hind legs for jumping. Egg: The eggs are oval-shaped and are laid in the soil near the base of the hop plants. Pupa: The pupa is found in the soil and is initially white but turns brown as it matures. Larva: The larva of the Hop Flea Beetle is white and worm-like. They live in the soil and feed on the roots of hop plants. Adults: The adults are shiny black beetles measuring 3-4 mm long. They have enlarged hind legs for jumping. Host plant: The Hop Flea Beetle feeds primarily on hop plants but can also infest other plants in the same family, such as cannabis and nettle. Territory: The Hop Flea Beetle is found in Europe, Asia, and North America. Damages caused by Hop Flea Beetle: The Hop Flea Beetle feeds on the leaves of hop plants, causing small holes or pits. Heavy infestations can cause significant damage to the plant, leading to reduced yields and quality of the hops. The larvae can also damage the plant’s roots, further impacting its growth and health. Life history and Habits: The Hop Flea Beetle undergoes complete metamorphosis, with four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The adults emerge in the spring and begin feeding on the leaves of the hop plants. After mating, the females lay their eggs in the soil near the base of the plant. The larvae hatch and begin feeding on the roots of the plant. They overwinter in the ground and pupate in the spring. The adults emerge, and the cycle starts again. Depending on the climate and location, the Hop Flea Beetle can have multiple generations yearly. They are most active during the warmer months and jump from plant to plant.