Pupa - The tiny white pupa is approximately the same size and shape as the adult. The striped flea beetle is common throughout the eastern and Pacific areas of the U.S. and is Eurasian in origin. It is not common in much of the Rocky Mountain regions. Host Plants - Striped flea beetles infest many crucifers but prefer mustard, turnip, radish, and related weeds. Damage - Although larvae feed on the roots of host plants, the primary damage is caused by adult beetles feeding on foliage.
Beetles make small pits in leaves.
This type of injury is capable of killing young plants. In addition, beetles may act as vectors of plant disease. Life History - Striped flea beetles overwinter among debris in and around fields. Emerging early in spring, they attack seedlings and young plants. Eggs are deposited in tiny crevices gnawed out of the base of host plant stems.