Mangold Flea Beetle
Chaetocnema concinna
This record describes Chaetocnema concinna (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
1.5-2.3 mm. A dark, shiny flea beetle. Bronze, coppery or dark green with elytral punctures in straight rows. The genus has small teeth on each of the mid and hind tibia. See ID checklist below. C. picipes is the only other species in the genus with elytral punctuation in clear rows. This has the last antennal segment more pointed and narrow and generally symmetrical. Various habitats, sometimes associated with fields of Sugar Beet. Can be found in most months of the year peaking around April and May. Feeds on various Polygonaceae (docks, knotweeds) and Chenopodiaceae (Fat-hen, oraches); also Beet, Lesser Periwinkle, Yew and Birches. 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
Various habitats, sometimes associated with fields of Sugar Beet.
Seasonal Activity
Can be found in most months of the year peaking around April and May.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Feeds on various Polygonaceae (docks, knotweeds) and Chenopodiaceae (Fat-hen, oraches); also Beet, Lesser Periwinkle, Yew and Birches.
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 concinna. 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 Mangold Flea Beetle (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mangold Flea Beetle
What is Mangold Flea Beetle?
Mangold Flea Beetle (Chaetocnema concinna) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Mangold Flea Beetle found?
Habitat: Various habitats, sometimes associated with fields of Sugar Beet.
When is Mangold Flea Beetle active?
Mangold Flea Beetle: seasonal activity - Can be found in most months of the year peaking around April and May..
What is the life cycle of a Mangold Flea Beetle?
Feeds on various Polygonaceae (docks, knotweeds) and Chenopodiaceae (Fat-hen, oraches); also Beet, Lesser Periwinkle, Yew and Birches.