FLEA BEETLES
tobacco fleabeetle, Epitrix hirtipennis (Melsheimer),
eggplant fleabeetle, E. fuscula Crotch,
potato fleabeetle, E. cucumeris (Harris) and other species
Description Picture Damage
  • adults are approximately 1/16 inch long
  • some are entirely black, others brown-black with faint, lighter markings
  • larvae are small, slender and white with a black band and 3 pairs of legs




    • Photo credit: Extension Entomology, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University

  • plant foliage has numerous, very small, rounded or irregular holes
  • holes eaten through or into the leaf
  • leaves look like they were peppered with fine shot
  • leaves may wilt and turn brown
  • may kill or stunt the plant