Pupae usually remain in the soil for 7 to 10 days until adults emerge and the cycle is completed. There are 3 or more generations per year. The equally small tobacco flea beetle is yellowish-brown with a dark band across the wings. The sweetpotato and corn flea beetles, about the same size, have a bronzy reflection. All have thickened hind legs which enable them to jump, and hence, their common name.
Some flea beetles are general feeders, but most attack only closely related plants.
The potato and tobacco flea beetles attack potato, tobacco, tomato, pepper, horsenettle and related weeds. The corn flea beetle is a general feeder. Damage Adult flea beetles chew very small, rounded holes in leaves, causing a short-hole appearance. These holes provide an entrance for plant diseases. The potato flea beetle spreads early blight.