Damage is usually spotty, although it can be serious. These beetles bore into buds, hollowing out the inside. Vines near wooded areas are more susceptible. Larvae and summer adults feed on young foliage, avoiding the leaf veins, leaving behind a kind of skeleton. In addition to flea beetle larvae and summer adults, Japanese beetles also feed on grapevine foliage.
Most people are familiar with the shiny, metallic green beetle.
Generally, infestations are spotty and do not hurt the vines. Heavy infestations, however, can literally defoliate young grapevines. In this case, control measures would be necessary. Damage appears to be more frequent in areas bordered by turf or pasture, since these are also feeding grounds for the beetle grubs. Leafhoppers damage leaves by sucking out the liquid contents of cells.