Redheaded Flea Beetle – Systena frontalis
Redheaded Flea Beetle (Systena frontalis)
Common Name: Redheaded Flea Beetle
Latin Name: Systena frontalis
Appearance:
The Redheaded Flea Beetle is a little beetle that is 3 to 4 mm in length. It has a golden head, as the name says, which makes it stand out. They have an oval body that can be varied colors and commonly features black, yellow, and reddish-brown markings. This beetle’s back legs are larger than its front legs, allowing it to hop like a flea.
Host Plant:
Redheaded Flea Beetles may infest a wide range of plants, although they prefer to feed on soybeans, beans, and other legumes. These bugs can also be found in gardens and farms on various plants.
Territory:
These beetles exist in a variety of habitats, mostly in North America, where they may be found in parks, farms, and other areas with plants that serve as hosts for them.
Damages caused by Redheaded Flea Beetles:
Redheaded Flea Beetles can cause significant crop damage by consuming leaves, stems, and other plant components. As they feed, they leave shot-hole damage in the form of tiny, irregularly shaped holes in the leaves. Individual bugs may not cause much harm, but a large number of insects in one place can cost farmers a lot of money.
Life History and Habitat:
Life Cycle:
Redheaded Flea Beetles go through a full transformation, with egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.
- Egg:Most of the time, eggs are laid in the ground near host plants.
- Larva:When the larvae hatch, they eat plant roots, mostly young plants.
- Pupa:Pupation takes place in the ground.
- Adult:The adult beetles come out and eat plant leaves, which keeps the life cycle going.