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• Adult flea beetles cause distinctive ‘pitting’ in leaf surfaces. This type of damage is easily recognizable.
• Beetles are small (most <1/4″) and have enlarged femurs on their back legs. This allows them to jump very far, hence the common name. The ‘thickened thighs’ can be used as an identification tool.
• Some of the common flea beetles we have here in the PNW are

Phyllotreta cruciferae, crucifer flea beetle : metallic blue-green to black

Phyllotreta striolata, striped flea beetle: black with wide, wavy yellow stripes on wing covers

    Psylliodes punctulata, hop flea beetle, sometimes called radish flea beetle: shiny black or green with brown legs

• The above species feed on brassica crops and cruciferous weedy hosts like yellow rocket, shephard’s purse and wild mustard. Common lambsquarters is also preferred
• Activity increases with warming temperatures, and invasion into fields can be rapid.
• Newly seeded crops are particularly vulnerable, damage to cotyledons can cause uneven stands or crop loss.
• Transplants with 3+ leaves can withstand more damage but should still be monitored closely.
• Treatment on cole crops is recommended when 10-20% of a stand shows feeding damage.
• Spot or border treatments can be effective. Consult the PNW Insect Management Handbook for labeled products.