About Tobacco Flea Beetle
A tiny brownish beetle that creates small round holes in tobacco and other solanaceous crop leaves. Larval feeding on roots further weakens plants.
Did You Know?
Its feeding holes reduce the quality and market value of tobacco wrapper leaves used for cigars.
How to Identify Tobacco Flea Beetle
Tobacco Flea Beetle (Epitrix hirtipennis) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Chrysomelidae. Adults typically measure 1.5-2 mm.
Tobacco Flea Beetle Habitat
Tobacco Flea Beetle is found in farmland habitats, particularly across North America, Central America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Tobacco Flea Beetle Diet and Feeding
Tobacco 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 Tobacco Flea Beetle Found?
Tobacco Flea Beetle can be found in North America, Central America, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Tobacco Flea Beetle can be found
Is Tobacco Flea Beetle Dangerous?
Tobacco 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.
Tobacco Flea Beetle Role in Nature
Tobacco 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 Tobacco Flea Beetle
What does Tobacco Flea Beetle look like?
The Tobacco Flea Beetle typically measures 1.5-2 mm.
Where is Tobacco Flea Beetle found?
The Tobacco Flea Beetle is found in North America, Central America and typically inhabits farmland environments.
What does Tobacco Flea Beetle eat?
The Tobacco Flea Beetle feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.
Is Tobacco Flea Beetle dangerous to humans?
The Tobacco Flea Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is Tobacco Flea Beetle endangered?
The Tobacco Flea Beetle is currently classified as Not Evaluated by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Tobacco Flea Beetle?
Its feeding holes reduce the quality and market value of tobacco wrapper leaves used for cigars.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Tobacco Flea Beetle (Epitrix hirtipennis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/tobacco-flea-beetle
MLA:
"Tobacco Flea Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/tobacco-flea-beetle.