Striped Flea Beetle
Phyllotreta striolata
This record describes Phyllotreta striolata (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Elongate oval. Shining black, elytra marked with yellow. |
| Antennae | Antennae black, basal 3 segments yellow-brown, 5th segment usually 1/3 longer than 4th, its width 1/4 its length. |
| Head | Head, pronotum and elytra closely punctate, elytral punctures substriate. Each elytron with yellow vitta, sinuate mesad basally; or with basal and subapical yellow spot, apical one curving mesad caudally. (Auburn.edu) |
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
Palearctic immigrant est. across NA (CA-FL-NF-BC) - Map , mostly across n. NA
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phyllotreta striolata. 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 Striped Flea Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by tom murray , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Striped Flea Beetle
What is Striped Flea Beetle?
Striped Flea Beetle (Phyllotreta striolata) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Striped Flea Beetle?
2.1-2.5 mm
How do you identify Striped Flea Beetle?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Elongate oval. Shining black, elytra marked with yellow. |
| Antennae | Antennae black, basal 3 segments yellow-brown, 5th segment usually 1/3 longer than 4th, its width 1/4 its length. |
| Head | Head, pronotum and elytra closely punctate, elytral punctures substriate. Each elytron with yellow vitta, sinuate mesad basally; or with basal and subapical yellow spot, apical one curving mesad caudally. (Auburn.edu) |
Where is Striped Flea Beetle found?
Range: Palearctic immigrant est. across NA (CA-FL-NF-BC) - Map , mostly across n. NA