Editors: W.T. Wilsey, C.R. Weeden, and A.M. Shelton

Corn Flea Beetle (Chaetocnema pulicaria) - Life Cycle

Click for larger image	Adults: Corn flea beetle adults are small, hard beetles with an elongated oval shape with enlarged hind legs and are about 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) long by 1/12 inch (2.1 mm) wide. The flea beetle is all black with no markings at all. Adults are easily disturbed and have the ability to jump quickly often traveling considerable distances.
	Eggs: The eggs are laid in the soil, on leaves or the stem of the host plant. The eggs hatch in about 7 to 14 days.
	Larvae: The larvae are small, slender white worms that feed primarily on roots of the plant. Larvae seldom cause serious damage.
	Pupae: The larvae transform to pupae in the soil near the base of the plants on which they have been feeding. The white pupae transform into adult beetles in about one week.

Damage inflicted by corn flea beetle on sweet corn

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Maintained by Jason D. Plate. Last updated Mar. 8th, 2007.