About Water Spinach Flea Beetle
A tiny, shiny dark bronze to black flea beetle that is a significant pest of rice seedlings and water spinach across tropical Asia. Its shot-hole feeding weakens young plants.
Did You Know?
Despite its minute size, this beetle can cause devastating damage to rice nurseries when it attacks seedlings at the one-leaf stage.
How to Identify Water Spinach Flea Beetle
Water Spinach Flea Beetle (Chaetocnema basalis) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Chrysomelidae. Adults typically measure 1.5-2 mm.
Water Spinach Flea Beetle Habitat
Water Spinach Flea Beetle is found in wetlands habitats, particularly across South and Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Water Spinach Flea Beetle Diet and Feeding
Water Spinach Flea Beetle feeds on seeds and grains. Seed-feeding insects can influence plant populations by consuming seeds, and some play a role in seed dispersal.
Where Is Water Spinach Flea Beetle Found?
Water Spinach Flea Beetle can be found in South and Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands, where it inhabits wetlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Water Spinach Flea Beetle can be found
Is Water Spinach Flea Beetle Dangerous?
Water Spinach 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.
Water Spinach Flea Beetle Role in Nature
Water Spinach 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 Water Spinach Flea Beetle
What does Water Spinach Flea Beetle look like?
The Water Spinach Flea Beetle typically measures 1.5-2 mm.
Where is Water Spinach Flea Beetle found?
The Water Spinach Flea Beetle is found in South and Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands and typically inhabits wetlands environments.
What does Water Spinach Flea Beetle eat?
The Water Spinach Flea Beetle feeds on seeds and grains.
Is Water Spinach Flea Beetle dangerous to humans?
The Water Spinach 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 Water Spinach Flea Beetle?
Despite its minute size, this beetle can cause devastating damage to rice nurseries when it attacks seedlings at the one-leaf stage.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Water Spinach Flea Beetle (Chaetocnema basalis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/water-spinach-flea-beetle
MLA:
"Water Spinach Flea Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/water-spinach-flea-beetle.