About Nettle-tap Flea Beetle
A tiny yellowish-brown flea beetle found on watercress and other crucifers in damp habitats. Larvae mine in plant roots. Can be a minor pest of commercial watercress.
Did You Know?
Commercially grown watercress can be damaged by this beetle, which is nearly invisible to the naked eye.
How to Identify Nettle-tap Flea Beetle
Nettle-tap Flea Beetle (Longitarsus nasturtii) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Chrysomelidae. Adults typically measure 1.5-2 mm.
Nettle-tap Flea Beetle Habitat
Nettle-tap Flea Beetle is found in rivers & streams habitats, particularly across Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Nettle-tap Flea Beetle Diet and Feeding
Nettle-tap Flea Beetle feeds on plant roots, typically during its larval stage. Root feeders can affect plant health and are sometimes considered agricultural pests.
Where Is Nettle-tap Flea Beetle Found?
Nettle-tap Flea Beetle can be found in Europe, where it inhabits rivers & streams environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Nettle-tap Flea Beetle can be found
Is Nettle-tap Flea Beetle Dangerous?
Nettle-tap 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.
Nettle-tap Flea Beetle Role in Nature
Nettle-tap 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 Nettle-tap Flea Beetle
What does Nettle-tap Flea Beetle look like?
The Nettle-tap Flea Beetle typically measures 1.5-2 mm.
Where is Nettle-tap Flea Beetle found?
The Nettle-tap Flea Beetle is found in Europe and typically inhabits rivers & streams environments.
What does Nettle-tap Flea Beetle eat?
The Nettle-tap Flea Beetle feeds on plant roots.
Is Nettle-tap Flea Beetle dangerous to humans?
The Nettle-tap 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 Nettle-tap Flea Beetle?
Commercially grown watercress can be damaged by this beetle, which is nearly invisible to the naked eye.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Nettle-tap Flea Beetle (Longitarsus nasturtii). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/nettle-tap-flea-beetle
MLA:
"Nettle-tap Flea Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/nettle-tap-flea-beetle.