We encounter the flea beetle insect mainly on beets. The larvae of the insect live below ground and attack plants in the underground part. The adult of the insect cause damage to the aboveground part of the plant.
Scientific name: Chaetocnema sp., Haltica sp.
Greek name: Άλτης ή ψυλλός
Damage
Because of the damage to the emerging seedlings, empty spaces appear in the field. Small round holes with a gray margin are caused in the cotyledons and the first true leaves to make them look like “sieve”.
Enemy
The larvae of Flea beetle are about 4 mm long and white in color. The adults (beetles) are about 2 mm long and dark in color with a metallic sheen. The shells have a pattern of small dents like spots on them. They are jumping insects.
Remarks
The larvae live below ground and damage plants underground. In contrast, damage to the aboveground part of the plant is caused by the adult. Infestation is favored by dry weather.
Source
www.bayercropscience.gr
Flea beetle
Flea Beetles
Tags: BEETROOT • BEETROOTS • PLANTS ENEMY
