Western Black Flea Beetle – Phyllotreta pusilla

Western Black Flea Beetle – Phyllotreta Pusilla Scientific Name: Phyllotreta Pusilla Common Name: Western Black Flea Beetle Distribution: One species of flea beetle in the Chrysomelidae family is the western black flea beetle, or Phyllotreta pusilla. Both North America and Central America are home to it. Host plants: A variety of hosts than other congeners, including several crucifers and other plants including lettuce, potatoes, and beets. Identification: Among the two, the western black flea beetle is smaller, measuring approximately 1/10 of an inch in length and has a lustrous, dark body. In hemp, adults may be expected to be spotted in late August and early September, as well as early June and early July. The pale striped flea beetle has yellowish stripes along its back and is slightly bigger, measuring around 1/6 of an inch in length. In addition, it includes a vast array of crops, such as sunflower, lettuce, beans, and potatoes, that the grownups will eat. Life Cycle: In the spring, adult flea beetles fly into potato-growing regions after overwintering in weeds or garbage. Little eggs are laid by flea beetles in the soil surrounding plants, on leaves, or in hollowed-out stem chambers. The white, worm-like, thin larvae are tiny and generally target roots, though they can also feed on foliage. They rarely cause major harm, with the exception of potato tubers, when they tunnel into the flesh of the tuber depending on the species. Up to one month may pass during the larval stage. In dirt, flea beetles pupate. Every year, there are one or two generations. Damage: Adults mostly consume leaves, creating tiny holes or pits where they eat. Together, flea beetles may cover leaves that have ragged holes or bleached, pitted patches. Once seedlings reach the early stages, damage is typically not severe. Larvae can create sunken areas on the roots of carrots. Larvae may form straight, narrow tunnels in potato tubers that allow fungus to enter, and they feed on the roots and stems of eggplants and potato tubers. The surface of tubers may have little raised ridges. Management: To get rid of any overwintering beetles, clear off any garbage in the fall. Up until they reach the sixth leaf stage, seedlings can be shielded with protective covers; older plants are less vulnerable to harm. Applying reflective mulches as soon as possible after planting, before the plants are diseased, might be beneficial. Adult animals can be seen or captured using white sticky traps. Insecticides shouldn’t usually be required and are ineffective in high population areas.