Horseradish Flea Beetle – Phyllotera armorciae
Horseradish Flea Beetle – Phyllotera armorciae
Common Name: Horseradish Flea Beetle
Latin Name: Phyllotreta armoraciae
Appearance:
Horseradish flea beetles are small insects measuring about 1/16 to 1/8 inch (1.5-3.0 mm) in length. They are usually black or brown and have a shiny metallic appearance. They have enlarged hind legs that enable them to jump long distances when disturbed.
Egg: The eggs of horseradish flea beetles are small, oval-shaped, and yellowish-white in color. They are typically laid in clusters on the undersides of leaves.
Pupa: The pupae of horseradish flea beetles are found in the soil near the host plant. They are reddish-brown in color and measure about 1/8 inch (3 mm) in length.
Larva: The larvae of horseradish flea beetles are white and worm-like in appearance. They have three pairs of legs and feed on the host plant’s roots.
Adults: The adult horseradish flea beetles are active in the spring and early summer. They feed on the leaves of the host plant and can cause significant damage.
Host plant:
Horseradish flea beetles feed on plants in the mustard family, including horseradish, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.
Territory:
Horseradish flea beetles are found throughout North America.
Damages caused by Horseradish Flea Beetle:
Horseradish flea beetles can cause significant damage to host plants by feeding on the leaves, resulting in defoliation and reduced plant growth. In severe cases, the damage can kill the plant.
Life history and Habits:
Horseradish flea beetles overwinter as adults in the soil near the host plant. In the spring, they emerge and feed on the leaves of the host plant. The females lay their eggs on the undersides of the leaves, and the larvae feed on the host plant’s roots. The larvae pupate in the soil near the host plant and emerge as adults in the summer. The adults continue to feed on the leaves of the host plant before returning to the earth to overwinter. Horseradish flea beetles have multiple generations per year, which can significantly damage host plants.