Large Striped Flea Beetle
Phyllotreta nemorum
This record describes Phyllotreta nemorum (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | 2.5-3mm. The black elytra are marked with broad pale yellow longitudinal stripes that are roughly parallel in shape. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum is black. |
| Antennae | Antennae are pitchy brown to black. All tibia are unicoloured - dark brown to black. The hind tarsi can be pale. It is a pest of brassicas including turnips, the adults feeding mainly on seedlings, leaving them riddled with holes. For this reason it is often found in agricultural fields where brassicas are grown, but also in gardens etc. Spring to late autumn when the adults hibernate. Adults hibernate and emerge in spring to breed and lay their eggs. The larvae tunnel in leaves and become new adults in the autumn. Fairly common and widespread in England and Wales, but fewer records from Scotland. No additional images available for this species. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Chrysomelidae
- Genus
- Phyllotreta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It is a pest of brassicas including turnips, the adults feeding mainly on seedlings, leaving them riddled with holes. For this reason it is often found in agricultural fields where brassicas are grown, but also in gardens etc.
Seasonal Activity
Spring to late autumn when the adults hibernate.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults hibernate and emerge in spring to breed and lay their eggs. The larvae tunnel in leaves and become new adults in the autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common and widespread in England and Wales, but fewer records from Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phyllotreta nemorum. 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 Striped Flea Beetle (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Large Striped Flea Beetle
What is Large Striped Flea Beetle?
Large Striped Flea Beetle (Phyllotreta nemorum) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Large Striped Flea Beetle found?
Habitat: It is a pest of brassicas including turnips, the adults feeding mainly on seedlings, leaving them riddled with holes. For this reason it is often found in agricultural fields where brassicas are grown, but also in gardens etc.
When is Large Striped Flea Beetle active?
Large Striped Flea Beetle: seasonal activity - Spring to late autumn when the adults hibernate..
What is the life cycle of a Large Striped Flea Beetle?
Adults hibernate and emerge in spring to breed and lay their eggs. The larvae tunnel in leaves and become new adults in the autumn.