Bronzy Brassica Flea Beetle
Phyllotreta aeneicollis
This record describes Phyllotreta aeneicollis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
elytra blue-green, thorax aeneous; tibiae pale Det. E. G. Riley, 2012 The coloration of this one matches the type. This is metallic pronotum and elytra in different colours and pro-tibia dark (at least not completely pale). The other important character for this group of species is the stria-like rows of large punctures on the basal half of the elytra. - comment by Hume Douglas Type Locality: Texas (Belfrage, 874)
Wikipedia reference for Phyllotreta aeneicollis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phyllotreta aeneicollis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Phyllotreta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
WV-FL to ND-NM - Map ( 4 ) ( 5 ) - subject to change based on the likely split of this sp. True Phyllotreta aeneicollis (Crotch) may be restricted to TX-KS (H. Douglas, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2026)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: Brassicaceae (cabbage, turnip, mustard, etc.) ( 6 ) - subject to change based on the likely split of this sp.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: aeneicollis (L). 'bronze-necked'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phyllotreta aeneicollis. 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 Bronzy Brassica Flea Beetle (2)
Photo credits: (c) Mike Quinn, San Marcos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mike Quinn, San Marcos | Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Bronzy Brassica Flea Beetle
What is Bronzy Brassica Flea Beetle?
Bronzy Brassica Flea Beetle (Phyllotreta aeneicollis) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Bronzy Brassica Flea Beetle?
elytra blue-green, thorax aeneous; tibiae pale Det. E. G. Riley, 2012 The coloration of this one matches the type. This is metallic pronotum and elytra in different colours and pro-tibia dark (at least not completely pale). The other important character for this group of species is the stria-like rows of large punctures on the basal half of the elytra. - comment by Hume Douglas
Where is Bronzy Brassica Flea Beetle found?
Range: WV-FL to ND-NM - Map ( 4 ) ( 5 ) - subject to change based on the likely split of this sp. True Phyllotreta aeneicollis (Crotch) may be restricted to TX-KS (H. Douglas, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2026)
What does Bronzy Brassica Flea Beetle eat?
The diet of the Bronzy Brassica Flea Beetle includes Hosts: Brassicaceae (cabbage, turnip, mustard, etc.) ( 6 ) - subject to change based on the likely split of this sp..