Striped flea beetle

AVRDC International Cooperators'
Fact Sheet

Crucifer Pests

Striped Flea Beetle
Phyllotreta striolata

Found in Asia, North America, Europe and South Africa

Damage symptoms

Young plants have small round holes in the cotyledons and leaves. This is often referred to as the "shot-hole effect". The seedlings may be killed if severe damage occurs.

Insect characteristics

Chewing mouthparts. The adult beetle is the important damaging stage. It is shiny black with a greenish tinge and two crooked yellow stripes down its back. Typically, it jumps like a flea when it is disturbed.

Where to look

When the seedlings first emerge, look at the cotyledons for small round holes. As plants grow, check the new leaves for the typical shot-hole effect caused by the chewing damage.

Shot-hole symptoms

Adult

Technical information

The adult has very powerful hind legs that enable it to jump effectively. The adult lays her eggs in the soil close to the host plant. The larva lives in the soil and feeds on plant roots. Usually, the larva is not a significant pest. Generations can be continual in warmer climates.

Control

Chemical: For quick control of large populations attacking young seedlings, insecticide sprays are the only alternatives. Check for local insecticide recommendations.

Cultural: Remove weeds in and around fields. Cover seedbeds with a very thin transparent fabric material to protect seedlings from adult feeding before transplanting. After harvest, the field should be plowed to expose larvae.

Biological: Many parasitoids can attack adults. These include Microtonus epitricis, M. punctulatae, M. vittatae and Townesilitus psylliodis. Nematode species Steinernema feltiae and S. carpocapsae may show promise.

Last updated: 2001.
Information from: Field Guide: Insect Pests of Selected Vegetables in Tropical and Subtropical Asia. 1995. B.L. Parker, N.S. Talekar and M. Skinner. Publication 94-427. Pest control recommendations added.

AVRDC Home | Extension Materials Home | Cabbage Home