Large Flax Flea Beetle
Aphthona euphorbiae
This record describes Aphthona euphorbiae (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | 1.5 to 2.4 mm. Black but may have a metallic greenish or bronze tinge. The elytra are coarsely punctate and in a confused pattern. |
| Antennae | Antennae are yellow at the base and becoming black apically. |
| Legs | Legs are yellow but with dark femora. As with all Apthona, the pronotum is subquadrate and lacks basal furrows. The tibial spur on the hind leg is located on the outer edge of the apical margin. It is necessary to key a specimen and the note the identifying features providing quality photos. A pest of flax and linseed, the adults can also be found on the leaves of a range of other plants including apple and strawberry. It over-winters in various plants and has been found in Ivy. Spring and summer, but can be beaten from Ivy, conifers and other over-wintering sites in the colder months. Adults are highly polyphagous but common on Flax. Larvae feed on the roots of plants such as flax and linseed, and can damage the plants. Widespread and locally common in England. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Chrysomelidae
- Genus
- Aphthona
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A pest of flax and linseed, the adults can also be found on the leaves of a range of other plants including apple and strawberry. It over-winters in various plants and has been found in Ivy.
Seasonal Activity
Spring and summer, but can be beaten from Ivy, conifers and other over-wintering sites in the colder months.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults are highly polyphagous but common on Flax. Larvae feed on the roots of plants such as flax and linseed, and can damage the plants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and locally common in England.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Aphthona euphorbiae. 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 Large Flax Flea Beetle (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Large Flax Flea Beetle
What is Large Flax Flea Beetle?
Large Flax Flea Beetle (Aphthona euphorbiae) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Large Flax Flea Beetle found?
Habitat: A pest of flax and linseed, the adults can also be found on the leaves of a range of other plants including apple and strawberry. It over-winters in various plants and has been found in Ivy.
When is Large Flax Flea Beetle active?
Large Flax Flea Beetle: seasonal activity - Spring and summer, but can be beaten from Ivy, conifers and other over-wintering sites in the colder months..
What is the life cycle of a Large Flax Flea Beetle?
Adults are highly polyphagous but common on Flax. Larvae feed on the roots of plants such as flax and linseed, and can damage the plants.