flea beetle

American  

noun

1. any leaf beetle of the genera Haltica, Epitrix, etc., the various species of which have the rear legs adapted for jumping.

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flea beetle British  

noun

1. any small common beetle of the genera Phyllotreta , Chalcoides , etc, having enlarged hind legs and capable of jumping: family Chrysomelidae . The larvae of many species are very destructive to turnips and other cruciferous vegetables

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Etymology

Origin of flea beetle

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Tampopo grows its arugula under insect netting to fight the Northwest flea beetle that otherwise chomps on the leaves.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 23, 2024

One problem Burgundy producers face is that the European Union has banned an insecticide long used to combat the black flea beetle, a scourge.

From New York Times • Jul. 14, 2022

Two products from Bayer and Syngenta will be allowed to help protect crops from the flea beetle.

From BBC • Jul. 23, 2015

Surveying a field of totally untreated kale which has been decimated by the flea beetle, he says the same would most likely happen to the neighbouring oilseed rape field if neonicotinoids are not used.

From BBC • Jul. 9, 2014

Jar the grape flea beetle on an inverted umbrella early in the morning.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 275, April 9, 1881 by Various