Western Potato Flea Beetle – Epittrix subcrinita

Western Potato Flea Beetle – Epittrix subcrinita Scientific name: Epittrix subcrinita Common name: Western potato flea beetle   Appearance:  Western potato flea beetles are oblong, dark metallic-brown, almost 2 mm long beetles. It has enlarged, yellow-brown hindlegs that allow it to jump long distances. They have rows of setae on the elytra. The larvae are white with a brown head and are 5 mm long.   Host plants or food: Western potato flea beetle mainly feeds on the foliage of members of the nightshade family. This includes potato, tomato, pepper, eggplant, and tobacco plants.   Territory: Throughout Central and North America   Mode of damage:  Adult western potato flea beetles are leaf chewers that result in small, irregular holes in the foliage and seedlings. The foliage has a shot hole or sieve-like appearance. The larvae feed on the tubers and roots, causing small tunnels on the tubers.   Habits and life history    Western potato flea beetles lay eggs on the soil, which hatch into larvae in approximately ten days. The larvae pupate in the soil and emerge as adults, overwintering in plant debris until the temperature reaches 50F. The entire cycle takes anywhere from 4 to 9 weeks. They produce 1 to 4 generations per year.