Cabbage-stem Flea Beetle
Psylliodes chrysocephala
This record describes Psylliodes chrysocephala (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 3 to 4.7 mm. A rather variable flea beetle. The elytra may vary in colour from dark blue or green through to black, though the typical form is dark metallic blue. Variety anglica is yellow to pale brown. It has the thickened thighs that are typical of flea beetles. Feeds on plants in the Brassica family including Cabbages and Oil-seed Rape but can be found on almost any vegetation. April to November, but peaking August to October. The adults chew holes in the leaves. The larvae usually mine the lower petioles, moving from ageing to healthy tissue, but will move to the stem and destroy the growing point if larval numbers are large or if the rosette is poorly developed. Widespread and common, particularly in the southern half of Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Psylliodes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Feeds on plants in the Brassica family including Cabbages and Oil-seed Rape but can be found on almost any vegetation.
Seasonal Activity
April to November, but peaking August to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The adults chew holes in the leaves. The larvae usually mine the lower petioles, moving from ageing to healthy tissue, but will move to the stem and destroy the growing point if larval numbers are large or if the rosette is poorly developed.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and common, particularly in the southern half of Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Psylliodes chrysocephala. 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 Cabbage-stem Flea Beetle (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabbage-stem Flea Beetle
What is Cabbage-stem Flea Beetle?
Cabbage-stem Flea Beetle (Psylliodes chrysocephala) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cabbage-stem Flea Beetle?
3 to 4.7 mm. A rather variable flea beetle. The elytra may vary in colour from dark blue or green through to black, though the typical form is dark metallic blue. Variety anglica is yellow to pale brown. It has the thickened thighs that are typical of flea beetles.
Where is Cabbage-stem Flea Beetle found?
Habitat: Feeds on plants in the Brassica family including Cabbages and Oil-seed Rape but can be found on almost any vegetation.
When is Cabbage-stem Flea Beetle active?
Cabbage-stem Flea Beetle: seasonal activity - April to November, but peaking August to October..
What is the life cycle of a Cabbage-stem Flea Beetle?
The adults chew holes in the leaves. The larvae usually mine the lower petioles, moving from ageing to healthy tissue, but will move to the stem and destroy the growing point if larval numbers are large or if the rosette is poorly developed.