Ragwort Flea Beetle
Longitarsus jacobaeae
This record describes Longitarsus jacobaeae (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This beetle is light golden brown in colour and between 2 and 4 mm long. It has enlarged femurs typical of flea beetles. Feeds on the leaves of Ragwort, particularly Common Ragwort ( Senecio jacobaea ). All year round peaking June to September. 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
- Longitarsus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Feeds on the leaves of Ragwort, particularly Common Ragwort (
Seasonal Activity
All year round peaking June to September.
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 Longitarsus jacobaeae. 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 Ragwort Flea Beetle (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ragwort Flea Beetle
What is Ragwort Flea Beetle?
Ragwort Flea Beetle (Longitarsus jacobaeae) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Ragwort Flea Beetle found?
Habitat: Feeds on the leaves of Ragwort, particularly Common Ragwort (
When is Ragwort Flea Beetle active?
Ragwort Flea Beetle: seasonal activity - All year round peaking June to September..