The Pigweed Flea Beetle has a red and black head. The red, shield-like pronotum has a black dot in the center, or three black dots, depending on the individual. The black elytra (wing coverings) have four yellow lines on them; two on the left connect at the bottom, just like the two on the right. Antennae are black, and legs are red and black. Other members of the same genus have a similar appearance, but the width, color, and number of the lines on the elytra differ between them.
This species feeds on types of plants in the amaranth family, which may also be called pigweeds because they were - and still are - used to feed pigs. The Pigweed Flea Beetle is active from late spring through autumn and is not a significant pest in a backyard garden.
Known Diet of the Pigweed-Flea-Beetle
pigweed
General Characteristics Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Pigweed Flea Beetle may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Pigweed Flea Beetle. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.