Adult Spurge Flea Beetle Courtesy http://www.usda.gov/ars
Brown-legged Leafy Spurge Flea Beetle (Aphthona lacertosa)
Generations per year: One
Growth: 4 stages of growth
Egg—200 to 300 eggs are deposited in small batches underground during the summer near the root of the spurge
Larval—newly hatched larvae migrate to the root hairs and feed until cool fall temperatures force dormancy
Pupal—pupation occurs in a soil cell from late spring to early summer
Adult—emerge throughout the summer and feed on leafy spurge leaves. Adults are 0.12 inches long (tiny) and black.
Overwintering stage—larval—in the spurge roots
Destructive stage—larval (root hairs and young roots) and adult (leaves and flowers)
Impact on the Leafy Spurge—the insect does not kill the plant, however, it reduces the plant’s root reserves and its ability to replace them
Habitat:
- · Steppe areas with loamy soils
- · Well-developed herbaceous vegetation
Dry sites or flooded areas are unfavorable to beetle survival.
Release Date: Brown-legged Leafy Spurge Flea Beetles are typically released in June and July.
Cost: A carton of adult spurge flea beetles = approximately 500 insects
$50.00 plus overnight shipping costs to apply
If you are interesting in ordering Brown-legged Leafy Spurge Flea Beetle, please submit the following form or call (406) 485-2744 x100.
McCone Conservation District 