flea beetle

noun

: any of a subfamily (Alticinae, especially genera Alticia and Epitrix) of small chrysomelid beetles with legs adapted for leaping that feed on foliage and include some that are agricultural pests

Examples of flea beetle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Radishes Rapid growth makes radishes ideal as companion plants and trap crops, effective for drawing flea beetles, aphids, slugs, snails, harlequin bugs, and cabbage root maggots away from tomatoes, eggplant, brassicas, cucumbers, and squash. —Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 3 May 2026

Planted near celery, mint deters pests like whiteflies, flea beetles, aphids, deer, and rabbits. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2026

The plants also serve as a trap crop for flea beetles and confuse pests like cucumber beetles. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026

Common Pests and Diseases Broccoli plants can be damaged by common insect pests, like caterpillars, aphids, flea beetles, and harlequin bugs, says Minter. —Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for flea beetle

• fetal
• foetal
• acetyl
• bimetal
• decretal
• varietal
• centripetal