flea beetle


noun

any leaf beetle of the genera Haltica, Epitrix, etc., the various species of which have the rear legs adapted for jumping.

Origin of flea beetle

First recorded in 1835–45

Example sentences from the Web for flea beetle

  • The flea-beetle inflicts much damage on the potato, tomato, eggplant, and other garden plants.

    Agriculture for Beginners |Charles William Burkett

British Dictionary definitions for flea beetle

flea beetle

noun

any small common beetle of the genera Phyllotreta, Chalcoides, etc, having enlarged hind legs and capable of jumping: family Chrysomelidae . The larvae of many species are very destructive to turnips and other cruciferous vegetables