Apple Flea Beetle
Altica foliaceae
This record describes Altica foliaceae (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
In recent years, several outbreaks of this insect have occurred throughout Colorado.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Altica
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Roughly: CA-FL-MD-ND / Mex.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Polyphagous, but preferred hosts are likely limited to the members of the Evening Primrose Family - Onagraceae CO: Larvae develop on evening primrose ( Oenothera ); adults disperse to feed on a wide range of plants including Epilobium, Gaura, Zauschneria , grape, crabapple, and willow. FL: Often severely damages crape myrtle and Mexican heather. This beetle emerges in early spring when the adults and larvae develop in high numbers on a weed, evening primrose, Oenothera spp. As the beetles mature and the evening primrose is consumed or dies, May-June in north Florida, the beetles disperse to other plants. They are often seen on many species of plants, but feeding damage is primarily on crape myrtle in June.
Life History
Colorado State 2017 local outbreak in c. TX:
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Altica foliaceae LeConte 1858
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Altica foliaceae. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Apple Flea Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Robert Lord Zimlich , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Flea Beetle
What is Apple Flea Beetle?
Apple Flea Beetle (Altica foliaceae) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Apple Flea Beetle?
5-6 mm
Where is Apple Flea Beetle found?
Range: Roughly: CA-FL-MD-ND / Mex.
What does Apple Flea Beetle eat?
The diet of the Apple Flea Beetle includes Polyphagous, but preferred hosts are likely limited to the members of the Evening Primrose Family - Onagraceae CO: Larvae develop on evening primrose ( Oenothera ); adults disperse to feed on a wide range of plants including Epilobium, Gaura, Zauschneria , grape, crabapple, and willow. FL: Often severely damages crape myrtle and Mexican heather. This beetle emerges in early spring when the adults and larvae develop in high numbers on a weed, evening primrose, Oenothera spp. As the beetles mature and the evening primrose is consumed or dies, May-June in north Florida, the beetles disperse to other plants. They are often seen on many species of plants, but feeding damage is primarily on crape myrtle in June..
What is the life cycle of a Apple Flea Beetle?
Colorado State 2017 local outbreak in c. TX: