The red-headed flea beetle (RHFB), Systena frontalis (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a serious insect pest in ornamental nurseries. It is also referred to as the “cranberry flea beetle” in cranberry and blueberry systems in the Northern U.S. The adult RHFB causes serious feeding damage to the foliage of a variety of woody and herbaceous container plants in nurseries (Figures 3 and 4). As the name suggests, the RHFB jumps when disturbed, similar to a dog flea. A native pest, the RHFB is present in the central and eastern regions of the U.S.
Status and Revision History
Published on Apr 06, 2020
Faculty
Shimat V. Joseph
Associate Professor,
Entomology
William G. Hudson
Professor - Extension Entomologist,
Entomology