Systena frontalis
Adults are small (~5 mm) black, ovate beetles with large femurs on their hind legs. The head is reddish to dark brown, the rest of the beetle is shiny black. When disturbed they jump away quickly.
The larvae are 5 – 10 mm in length, elongate and cream-coloured. They are covered with many fine hairs and have a flesh projection on the last segment of the abdomen.
Pale yellow eggs of approximately 0.7-0.9 mm are laid in soil.
Over 40 different host plants are known for the Redheaded Flea Beetle including Weigela spp. (weigela), Vacinium spp. (cranberry & blueberry) and Hydrangea spp. (Hydrangea).
Larvae feed on roots, often girdling them in the process. Adult beetles skeletonize leaves by feeding on the upper and lower leaf surfaces.
Eggs hatch in summer and larvae begin feeding on roots. After maturing larvae pupate in soil. Adults emerge in mid summer and start to feed on the upper and lower surfaces of leaves. Eggs are laid in the soil in the fall and are left there to overwinter.
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