Chrysomelid Flea beetle Photo by R. Richard Aphthona cyparissiae Approved for release into the U.S. in 1986. Large populations are present in Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, and Wisconsin. Leafy spurge-infested grasslands. Adult beetles feed on leafy spurge foliage and flowers, and high populations may defoliate spurge plants. Larvae burrow into the soil and begin feeding on very small leafy spurge roots and as the grow they feed on larger roots and root buds.
Winter is spent in the larval stage.
R. Richard Aphthona czwalinae Approved for released into the U.S. in 1987. Large populations are present in Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Leafy spurge-infested grasslands. Adults feed on leafy spurge foliage and flowers, and high populations may defoliate spurge plants. Larvae burrow into the soil and begin feeding on very small leafy spurge roots and as the grow they feed on larger roots and root buds.