About Shining Flea Beetle
A relatively large, metallic blue-green flea beetle with reddish-orange femora. It is one of the larger and more colorful alticines found in the Neotropics.
Did You Know?
Despite its relatively large size, it retains the powerful jumping ability characteristic of flea beetles, launching itself several centimeters when disturbed.
How to Identify Shining Flea Beetle
Shining Flea Beetle (Asphaera lustrans) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Chrysomelidae. Adults typically measure 7-10 mm.
Shining Flea Beetle Habitat
Shining Flea Beetle is found in forests habitats, particularly across Central and South America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Shining Flea Beetle Diet and Feeding
Shining 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 Shining Flea Beetle Found?
Shining Flea Beetle can be found in Central and South America, where it inhabits forests environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Shining Flea Beetle can be found
Is Shining Flea Beetle Dangerous?
Shining 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.
Shining Flea Beetle Role in Nature
Shining 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 Shining Flea Beetle
What does Shining Flea Beetle look like?
The Shining Flea Beetle typically measures 7-10 mm.
Where is Shining Flea Beetle found?
The Shining Flea Beetle is found in Central and South America and typically inhabits forests environments.
What does Shining Flea Beetle eat?
The Shining Flea Beetle feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.
Is Shining Flea Beetle dangerous to humans?
The Shining 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 Shining Flea Beetle?
Despite its relatively large size, it retains the powerful jumping ability characteristic of flea beetles, launching itself several centimeters when disturbed.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Shining Flea Beetle (Asphaera lustrans). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/shining-flea-beetle
MLA:
"Shining Flea Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/shining-flea-beetle.