Pest

Flea beetles

Phyllotreta, Epitrix and others

Small shiny beetles that jump when disturbed and chew small round holes in leaves. Seedlings and new transplants are hurt most; established plants outgrow the damage.

Signs

• Many round holes under 1/8 inch (3 mm) across, like buckshot.
• Black, bronze or striped beetles that jump away when approached.
• Worst in warm, dry spring weather.

What favors it

Warm, dry spring weather and small seedlings; adults overwinter in field edges and debris.

Prevention

• Cover seedbeds and transplants with floating row cover, sealed at the edges, from planting.
• Use transplants; they tolerate feeding better than direct-seeded plants.
• Plant as late as the season allows to miss the first generation.

Crops it shows up on

Tomato, pepper & eggplant; Potato; Cabbage family (broccoli, kale, cabbage); Lettuce, spinach & herbs.

Often confused with

Sources

• Flea beetlesUniversity of Minnesota Extension
• Flea Beetles on VegetablesUniversity of Maryland Extension

Why →