Grape Flea Beetle on Grapes
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Grape flea beetle (Altica chalybea) adults are dark metallic, greenish-blue jumping beetles about 1⁄5 inch long. Larvae are brownish and marked with black spots. Adults overwinter in protected areas around vineyards and begin feeding just as buds begin to swell. Larvae feed on expanded leaves and developing fruit clusters. Feeding on interior portions of primary buds and unfolding grape leaves results in hollow buds and ragged, tattered leaves. Damaged buds do not develop into primary canes, which can reduce yields. Injury is often restricted to vineyard borders, particularly near wooded areas.
Grape flea beetle near a swelling bud.
(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)
Grape flea beetle larva feeding on a developing fruit cluster.
(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Apply an insecticide at bud swell when flea beetles are common and injury to the small buds is observed.
