Garden Flea Beetle
Phyllotreta robusta
This record describes Phyllotreta robusta (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
adult habitus Elytral yellow band expanded in the apical half to reach sutural, and lateral margins. This pattern shared with P. liebecki only; in males, the shape and length of antennal segment 5 is different: distinctly shorter than 2-4, dilated apically into a triangular, internal process (longer, and more evenly dilated in P. liebecki )
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
across n. US & s. CAN
Diet and Behavior
Diet: crucifers and some garden plants ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phyllotreta robusta J.L. LeConte 1878
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phyllotreta robusta. 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 Garden Flea Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche
Frequently Asked Questions About Garden Flea Beetle
What is Garden Flea Beetle?
Garden Flea Beetle (Phyllotreta robusta) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Garden Flea Beetle?
adult habitus Elytral yellow band expanded in the apical half to reach sutural, and lateral margins. This pattern shared with P. liebecki only; in males, the shape and length of antennal segment 5 is different: distinctly shorter than 2-4, dilated apically into a triangular, internal process (longer, and more evenly dilated in P. liebecki )
Where is Garden Flea Beetle found?
Range: across n. US & s. CAN
What does Garden Flea Beetle eat?
The diet of the Garden Flea Beetle includes crucifers and some garden plants ( 3 ).