Corn Flea Beetle
Chaetocnema hortensis
This record describes Chaetocnema hortensis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
1.6-2.3mm. The genus can be recognised by the external tooth on both the mid and hind tibia. Bronze uppers (can be coppery or metallic green). Antennal segments 1-5 are pale then black after this. Legs are pale brown but with darker femora. The punctuation on the elytra do not follow neat, straight lines, particularly near the centre. See ID guidance below for more details. A leaf beetle found on various grasses, etc. All year especially in spring and summer. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Chaetocnema
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A leaf beetle found on various grasses, etc.
Seasonal Activity
All year especially in spring and summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chaetocnema hortensis. 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 Corn Flea Beetle (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Corn Flea Beetle
What is Corn Flea Beetle?
Corn Flea Beetle (Chaetocnema hortensis) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Corn Flea Beetle found?
Habitat: A leaf beetle found on various grasses, etc.
When is Corn Flea Beetle active?
Corn Flea Beetle: seasonal activity - All year especially in spring and summer..