About Corn Flea Beetle
A very small, shiny black to bronze flea beetle with a compact, oval body. It vectors Stewart's wilt bacterium, making it both a direct and indirect pest of sweet corn.
Did You Know?
The severity of Stewart's wilt in a given year can be predicted by winter temperatures, since cold winters reduce overwintering beetle populations.
How to Identify Corn Flea Beetle
Corn Flea Beetle (Chaetocnema pulicaria) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Chrysomelidae. Adults typically measure 1.5-2 mm.
Corn Flea Beetle Habitat
Corn Flea Beetle is found in farmland habitats, particularly across North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Corn Flea Beetle Diet and Feeding
Corn Flea Beetle is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.
Where Is Corn Flea Beetle Found?
Corn Flea Beetle can be found in North America, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Corn Flea Beetle can be found
Is Corn Flea Beetle Dangerous?
Corn Flea Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Corn Flea Beetle Role in Nature
Corn Flea Beetle is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Corn Flea Beetle
What does Corn Flea Beetle look like?
The Corn Flea Beetle typically measures 1.5-2 mm.
Where is Corn Flea Beetle found?
The Corn Flea Beetle is found in North America and typically inhabits farmland environments.
What does Corn Flea Beetle eat?
The Corn Flea Beetle feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.
Is Corn Flea Beetle dangerous to humans?
The Corn Flea Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Corn Flea Beetle?
The severity of Stewart's wilt in a given year can be predicted by winter temperatures, since cold winters reduce overwintering beetle populations.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Corn Flea Beetle (Chaetocnema pulicaria). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/corn-flea-beetle
MLA:
"Corn Flea Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/corn-flea-beetle.