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

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

The shortening days also mark the return of arugula, quick to germinate in the warm soil and far happier than in spring when the flea beetle does its shothole work.

From Washington Post

The “bio-control agent,” a flea beetle from the tallow’s native region of eastern China, could be released in the U.S. as early as next year.

From Washington Times

Department of Agriculture, and like the flea beetle, the weevil spends its entire life-cycle on one plant, he said.

From Seattle Times