Hop Flea Beetle
Psylliodes punctulata
This record describes Psylliodes punctulata (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Alticini
- Genus
- Psylliodes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
NA, transcontinental (NF-NT to FL-CA) Mex. - Map , almost all records across northern NA
Seasonal Activity
one of the first flea beetles to appear in the spring; adults emerge in Aug ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: highly polyphagous ( 4 ) ( 3 )
Life History
overwinters as adults in debris ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Psylliodes punctulata F.E. Melsheimer 1847
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Psylliodes punctulata. 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 Hop Flea Beetle (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Hop Flea Beetle
Where is Hop Flea Beetle found?
Range: NA, transcontinental (NF-NT to FL-CA) Mex. - Map , almost all records across northern NA
What does Hop Flea Beetle eat?
The diet of the Hop Flea Beetle includes highly polyphagous ( 4 ) ( 3 ).
When is Hop Flea Beetle active?
Hop Flea Beetle: seasonal activity - one of the first flea beetles to appear in the spring; adults emerge in Aug ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Hop Flea Beetle?
overwinters as adults in debris ( 3 )