Chaetocnema pulicaria
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Infraorder: Cucujiformia
Family: Chrysomelidae
Genus: Chaetocnema
Species:
C. pulicaria
Binomial name
Chaetocnema pulicaria

Chaetocnema pulicaria, also known as the corn flea beetle[1] and clover flea beetle,[2] is a species of flea beetle from Chrysomelidae family, found in Texas, USA[3] and Canada.[4]

Description

The species is black in color, with orange legs and antennae.[3] Their size is quite small, about 1⁄16 inch (1.6 mm) long.[5]

Species lifecycle

The females lay eggs in soil, which has plants growing nearby. The eggs hatch in 7 to 14 days into larvae. While in their larval stage, their small, worm-like bodies are white. The larvae feed especially on plants' roots, causing serious damage. Then, they transform into pupae, and a week later, into adults.[5]

Pest

The species is known for causing damage to crops. The damaged plants include sorghum, soybeans, sweet corn, small grains, and some vegetables.[6] They feed on both sides of a leaf (upper and lower parts), including epidermis and the veins. They also transmit Stewart's wilt; by removing the leaf tissue from the plant, they open a wound which allows the disease to begin spreading from plant to plant. The disease organism is Pantoea stewartii.

References

  1. ↑ "Chaetocnema pulicaria (Corn Flea Beetle)". Zipcode zoo. Retrieved 23 February 2012.
  2. ↑ Second common name
  3. 1 2 "Chaetocnema pulicaria". Bug Guide. Retrieved 24 February 2012.
  4. ↑ "Chaetocnema pulicaria". Discover life. Retrieved 24 February 2012.
  5. 1 2 "Chaetocnema pulicaria". Entomology.cornell.edu. Retrieved 24 February 2012.
  6. ↑ Pest
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