About Sumac Flea Beetle
A relatively large flea beetle with a mottled brown and tan pattern providing excellent camouflage on sumac bark. Despite its size, it retains the powerful jumping ability of flea beetles.
Did You Know?
Larvae of this beetle carry a shield of their own excrement mixed with toxic compounds from their sumac host plant.
How to Identify Sumac Flea Beetle
Sumac Flea Beetle (Blepharida rhois) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Chrysomelidae. Adults typically measure 6-8 mm.
Sumac Flea Beetle Habitat
Sumac Flea Beetle is found in heathland habitats, particularly across Eastern North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Sumac Flea Beetle Diet and Feeding
Sumac 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 Sumac Flea Beetle Found?
Sumac Flea Beetle can be found in Eastern North America, where it inhabits heathland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Sumac Flea Beetle can be found
Is Sumac Flea Beetle Dangerous?
Sumac 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.
Sumac Flea Beetle Role in Nature
Sumac 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 Sumac Flea Beetle
What does Sumac Flea Beetle look like?
The Sumac Flea Beetle typically measures 6-8 mm.
Where is Sumac Flea Beetle found?
The Sumac Flea Beetle is found in Eastern North America and typically inhabits heathland environments.
What does Sumac Flea Beetle eat?
The Sumac Flea Beetle feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.
Is Sumac Flea Beetle dangerous to humans?
The Sumac 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 Sumac Flea Beetle?
Larvae of this beetle carry a shield of their own excrement mixed with toxic compounds from their sumac host plant.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Sumac Flea Beetle (Blepharida rhois). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/sumac-flea-beetle
MLA:
"Sumac Flea Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/sumac-flea-beetle.