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Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > What insect is this? > Garden Pests > Beetles, bugs, ants, and other insects without obvious wings - Under 1/4 inch long > Spinach flea beetle

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Spinach flea beetle

Disonycha xanthomelas

Spinach flea beetle

Whitney Cranshaw, CSU, Bugwood.org

Description: 1/5 inch long. Oval-shaped, black wing covers with orange thorax (area behind head).

Where/When: Feeds on spinach and beets. Active from May through June and August into October.

Significance: Causes feeding damage (small, round, irregular holes) primarily to foliage. Low to moderate numbers usually do not impact plant health. High numbers can result in wilted and stunted plants.

More information on Spinach flea beetle

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