These small jumping beetles have the hind femora enlarged. After mating in the late spring, the female beetle enters the soil near the base of the food plant to lay her eggs. The eggs hatch in 5 to 8 days. The larvae which feed on the roots for 2 to 3 weeks. When the larvae are mature they enter the inactive pupal stage for 10-14 days.
Adults emerge and a second generation begins and sometimes even a third.
The insect overwinters as an adult in the soil and emerges again in May or June to begin feeding on the next season's crops. Keeping down weeds on which the flea beetles may live in and around the garden is one way to keep them in check. Physical barriers such as row covers may help to protect plants from early damage. Row covers should be put in place when transplants are set or seeds are sown. Other insecticides may be labeled for specific crops.