Crepidodera aurea, Flea Beetle

Common Name: Flea Beetle

With a length of only 2.5 to 3.8 mm, Crepidodera aurea, commonly known as the Flea Beetle, is a tiny leaf beetle with very punctate elytra which can appear metallic golden green to coppery red, brassy bronze or even bright green or blue, depending on the light. It will jump readily when disturbed.

There are several similar species which makes potential identification difficult. Very often associated with poplars, including aspen, and sometimes willows. Adults hibernate in grass tussocks. Adults feed on poplar leaves (possibly the Venturia fungus that grows on then); larvae on poplar roots. Fairly frequent in southern England, with fewer records coming from Scotland and Wales.

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