Larval feeding damage consists of characteristic chain-like feeding marks on leaves. However, the damage by adult grape flea beetles is more important. The beetles eat holes into the sides of buds and gouge out the contents as the buds swell. It should be noted that climbing cutworms can cause similar damage. However, damage by the latter pest complex is usually more ragged in appearance.
Adults also feed on the unfolding leaves.
When larvae are mature they drop to the ground and pupate in an earthen chamber. Adults emerge 1-2 weeks later, in July and August. These adults feed for the rest of the summer but cause little damage. In the fall they seek protected places in which to overwinter. In addition to wild and cultivated grape varieties, grape flea beetles feed on Virginia creeper.