flea beetle

noun

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

flea beetle

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of flea beetle¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

The grape leaf-hopper and the grape-vine flea-beetle are possibly the worst of the insects infesting the grapes about these lakes.

From Project Gutenberg

Haltica chalybea, or the Grape Vine Flea-beetle, appears early in the season, and eats holes in the buds and leaves.

From Project Gutenberg

Bordeaux mixture will also keep away the flea beetle to a large extent.

From Project Gutenberg

The turnip flea-beetle quickly destroys young plants of the cruciferæ family by eating their leaves.

From Project Gutenberg

Bud caterpillars, the leaf-miner or split-worm and the Tobacco flea beetle are minute beetles which attack it.

From Project Gutenberg