Tribe Alticini Newman
35. Altica (Altica) carduorum (Guérin-Méneville)
(Fig. 35)
Diagnosis. Body length 3.3–4.0 mm, oval; dorsum metallic green, antennae, legs and ventral surfaces black, often with green metallic reflection; pronotum wider than long, at posterior with deep transverse impression, disc finely and sparsely punctate, glossy between punctures; base of elytra only slightly wider than posterior of pronotum, elytral disc finely, completely, and irregularly punctate, interspaces glossy, humeral callus present; legs not robust, hind femora slightly swollen, first tarsomere of fore and mid tarsi broader in male than in female.
Native range. Palearctic: Eurasia (Löbl and Smetana 2010); introduced as a biocontrol agent to Canada and the USA (Zwölfer 1965, Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in Canada. Released in AB, BC, NS, and ON but did not establish (Peschken et al. 1970, Peschken 1971).
Distribution in USA. CA, CO, DE, ID, IN, MD, MN, MT, NJ, NV, OR, SD, WA, WI (Riley et al. 2003, Klimaszewski et al. 2010).
First Canadian records. The earliest releases occurred in AB and ON in 1963, BC in 1964, and NS in 1966 to aid in the control of the perennial adventive weed Canada thistle, Cirsium arvense (L.) Scopoli. Most did not survive in open fields with the exception of a small colony at Lacombe, AB that survived only until 1968 (Harris 1964, Peschken et al. 1970, Peschken 1971). This species has not been recovered recently from any release sites, or elsewhere in Canada (Peter Mason, personal communication). It is unlikely that this species is established in Canada (Peschken 1971).
First North American records. As above.
Habitat and host data. Adults and larvae feed on leaves of Canada thistle (Clark et al. 2004).
36. Aphthona (Aphthona) cyparissiae (Koch)
[brown dot leafy spurge flea beetle]
(Fig. 36, Map 27)
Diagnosis. Body length 2.8–4.0 mm, oval; dorsum yellow-brown to orange-brown, head and hind femora usually slightly darker than pronotum and elytra, sutural edge of elytra and scutellum often (and ventral surfaces usually) orange-brown, antennae completely pale or 4–5 apical antennomeres slightly darker; head with strong frontal tubercles; pronotum wider than long, without transverse impression, surface of disc extremely finely and sparsely punctate, glossy between punctures; base of elytra not or only slightly wider than posterior of pronotum, elytral disc finely, completely and irregularly punctate, interspaces glossy, humeral callus weak; legs with hind femora swollen, in male first tarsomere of foreleg slightly broader than in female.
Preliminary DNA characterization with multiple genes suggests that morphological identification may not be reliable for distinguishing some Aphthona species introduced into Canada and the USA for biocontrol of leafy spurge (Floate et al. 2016). The aedeagus of this species is most like that of A. flava.
Native range. Palearctic: Europe (Löbl and Smetana 2010); introduced as a biocontrol agent to Canada and the USA (Pemberton and Johnson 1986, Bourchier et al. 2002).
Distribution in Canada. AB, BC, MB, ON, QC, SK (LeSage and Paquin 1996, Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013). Although the species was released in NS, it does not appear to be established there (Peter Mason, personal communication).
Distribution in USA. CO, IA, ID, MN, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OR, RI, SD, WA, WI, WY (Riley et al. 2003, Klimaszewski et al. 2010).
First Canadian records. First releases in 1982 were near Cardston, AB; Caron, SK; Cypress River, MB; Braeside, ON; and Baie-Saint-Paul, QC (Williamson 1986, McClay et al. 1995, LeSage and Paquin 1996, Bourchier et al. 2002). It was first released in the East Kootenay area of BC in 1989 (Bourchier et al. 2002). It is established in all of those provinces.
First North American records. As above. During 1986 to 1995, it was widely released in leafy spurge infestations in 17 states across the northern USA (Hansen 2011a). Large populations are present in several states, including WY, MT, CO, and WI (Hansen 2011a)
Habitat and host data. Aphthona cyparissiae is used as a biocontrol agent against the perennial weed, leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.). The host range of A. cyparissiae appears restricted to plants in the subgenus Esula of the genus Euphorbia. This species, including Palearctic populations, is associated with several Euphorbia species, including E. cyparissias L., E. esula, E. peplus L., E. seguieriana Neck., and E. virgata Waldst. & Kit. (Euphorbiaceae) (Clark et al. 2004). In Europe, this beetle feeds on leafy spurge and several other closely related spurge species. There are a few native Euphorbia spp. in the USA that could potentially be hosts for A. cyparissiae, though no feeding has yet been documented under field conditions.
37. Aphthona (Aphthona) czwalinae Weise
[black leafy spurge flea beetle]
(Fig. 37, Map 28)
Diagnosis. Body length 2.8–3.5 mm, oval; dorsum dark metallic green or blue, or black with metallic reflections, legs and basal antennomeres yellow, apical antennomeres somewhat darker and hind femora brown to black; head with strong frontal tubercles; pronotum only slightly wider than long, without transverse impression, surface of disc extremely fine and sparsely punctate, glossy between punctures; elytra in anterior third almost parallel-sided, then converging posterad, base of elytra wider than posterior of pronotum, elytral disc finely and irregularly punctate, interspaces glossy, humeral callus strong; legs with hind femora swollen, in male first tarsomere slightly broader than in female.
Native range. Palearctic: Eurasia (Löbl and Smetana 2010); introduced as a biocontrol agent to Canada and the USA (Nowierski and Pemberton 2002).
Distribution in Canada. AB, BC, MB, ON, SK (Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013, Peter Mason, personal communication).
Distribution in USA. CO, IA, ID, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, OR, SD, WA, WI, WY (Riley et al. 2003, Roehrdanz et al. 2009).
First Canadian records. The species was first released at Spring Coulee, AB in 1985 and again in 1993 (McClay et al. 1995, Julien and Griffiths 1998, Bourchier et al. 2002); Regina and Maxim, SK in 1995 (Sarazin and Hamilton 1988, LeSage and Paquin 1996); Marshall Bay and Horning’s Mills, ON in 1985 (Peter Harris, unpublished data); Cypress River, MB in 1986 and Shilo, MB in 1987 (Peter Harris, unpublished data); and Spallumcheen and near Clinton, BC in 1995 (Anonymous 2018b).
First North American records. See above. First released in USA in MT and SD in 1998 (Butler et al. 2006).
Habitat and host data.Aphthona czwalinae is used as a biocontrol agent against the rangeland weed, leafy spurge, Euphorbia esula L. (Hansen et al. 1997, Kalischuk et al. 2004). This species, including Palearctic populations, is associated with several Euphorbia species: E. cyparissias L., E. esula, E. lucida Waldst. & Kit., E. seguieriana Neck., and E. virgata Waldst. & Kit. (Euphorbiaceae) (LeSage 1996, LeSage and Paquin 1996, Clark et al. 2004).
38. Aphthona (Aphthona) flava Guillebeau
[copper leafy spurge flea beetle]
(Fig. 38 a, b, Map 29)
Diagnosis. Body length 2.8–4.3 mm, oval; whole dorsum yellow to orange yellow, hind femora usually slightly darker than pronotum and elytra, sutural edge and scutellum not darker than surface of elytral disc; head with strong frontal tubercles; pronotum wider than long, without transverse impression, surface of disc extremely finely and sparsely punctate, glossy between punctures; base of elytra not or only slightly wider than posterior of pronotum, elytral disc finely, irregularly punctate, interspaces glossy, humeral callus weak; legs with hind femora swollen, male with first tarsomere of foreleg slightly broader than in female.
Preliminary DNA characterization with multiple genes suggests that morphological identification may not be reliable for distinguishing some Aphthona species introduced into Canada and the USA for biocontrol of leafy spurge (Floate et al. 2016). The aedeagus of this species is most like that of A. cyparissiae.
Native range. Palearctic: Eurasia (Löbl and Smetana 2010); introduced as a biocontrol agent to Canada and the USA (Winston et al. 2017).
Distribution in Canada. AB, BC, MB, NS?, ON, QC, SK? (Pemberton and Rees 1990, LeSage 1996, LeSage and Paquin 1996, Bousquet et al. 2013). The species was reported as established in AB, BC, and ON by Julien and Griffiths (1998). The recent collection of specimens from MB and QC (CNC) suggests it is established there. The status of the releases in NS and SK is unknown.
Distribution in USA. CO, IA, ID, MI, MN, MT, ND, NE, NH, NM, NV, NY, OR, RI, SD, UT, WA, WI, WY (Riley et al. 2003, Klimaszewski et al. 2010).
First Canadian records. The first releases were in 1982 near Cardston, AB; Caron, SK; Cypress River, MB; Braeside, ON; and Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC (Sommer and Maw 1982, McClay and Harris 1984, Williamson 1986, McClay et al. 1995, LeSage and Paquin 1996, Bourchier et al. 2002). The first releases in BC were near Clinton in 1990 (no establishment) and near Kamloops from 1992–1995 (established) (Anonymous 2018c).
First North American records. As above. It was first released into the USA in ND in 1985, MT in 1985–1987, and ID in 1986 (Pemberton and Rees 1990).
Habitat and host data. Like other Aphthona species that feed on Euphorbia species, the adults of A. flava feed on leaves and flower bracts, and the larvae feed upon the root hairs and roots. Mature larvae overwinter and pupate in late spring or early summer (Pemberton and Rees 1990). In North America, this species is used for biological control of Euphorbia esula L. and Euphorbia cyparissias L. (Pemberton and Rees 1990).
39. Aphthona (Aphthona) lacertosa Rosenhauer
[black flea beetle, brown-legged leafy spurge flea beetle]
(Fig. 39, Map 30)
Diagnosis. Body length 2.5–3.4 mm, body elongate-oval, elytra converging posterad; dorsum black with metallic green, brass or blue reflections, legs and basal antennomeres yellow, apical antennomeres and femora somewhat darker; head with strong frontal tubercles; pronotum only slightly wider than long, without transverse impression, surface of disc finely and sparsely punctate, glossy between punctures; base of elytra not or only slightly wider than posterior of pronotum, elytral disc finely and irregularly punctate, interspaces glossy, humeral callus weak; legs with hind femora swollen, in male first tarsomere slightly broader than in female.
Preliminary DNA characterization with multiple genes suggests that morphological identification may not be reliable for distinguishing some Aphthona species introduced into Canada and the USA for biocontrol of leafy spurge (Floate et al. 2016). The aedeagus of this species is most like that of A. nigriscutus.
Native range. Palearctic: Eurasia (Löbl and Smetana 2010); introduced as a biocontrol agent to Canada and the USA (Riley et al. 2003, Winston et al. 2016).
Distribution in Canada. AB, BC, MB, SK (LeSage 1996, Julien and Griffith 1998, Kalischuk 2001, Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013, Anonymous 2018d, Peter Mason, personal communication).
Distribution in USA. ID, MT, ND, OR, WA, WY (Riley et al. 2003).
First Canadian records. First released near Spruce Grove, AB in 1990 (Sarazin 1991, Kalischuk 2001); at Regina, Buffalo Pound Park, Edenwold, and Milestone, SK in 1990 (Sarazin 1991, LeSage and Paquin 1996); at Rossendale, MB in 1990 (Peter Mason, personal communication); and at Spallumcheen and northwest of Clinton, BC in 1999 (Anonymous 2018d).
First North American records. As above. Aphthona lacertosa was originally approved for release in the USA in 1993. Through 1995, it had been widely released in mixed populations with A. czwalinae in leafy spurge infestations across the northern USA (Nowierski and Pemberton 2002, Hansen 2011b).
Habitat and host data. Aphthona lacertosa is a biological control agent for leafy spurge, Euphorbia esula L. (Kalischuk 2001, Kalischuck et al. 2004). This species, including Palearctic populations, is associated with several Euphorbia species, including E. cyparissias L., E. esula, E. lucida Waldst. & Kit., E. pannonica Host, E. salicifolia Host, E. seguieriana Neck., E. stepposa Zoz ex Prokh., and E. virgata Waldst. & Kit. (Euphorbiaceae) (LeSage and Paquin 1996, Clark et al. 2004). Larvae of A. lacertosa cause the most damage to leafy spurge by feeding on the plant roots in the spring and fall (Rees et al. 1996).
40. Aphthona (Aphthona) nigriscutis Foudras
[black dot leafy spurge flea beetle]
(Fig. 40, Map 31)
Diagnosis. Body length 3.0–4.1 mm, oval; whole dorsum yellow to orange-yellow, apical antennomeres somewhat darker, mouth parts, hind femora and scutellum always darker than disc of pronotum and elytra, abdomen usually partly black; head with strong frontal tubercles; pronotum wider than long, without transverse impression, surface of disc extremely finely and sparsely punctate, glossy between punctures; base of elytra not or only slightly wider than posterior of pronotum, elytral disc finely and irregularly punctate, interspaces glossy, humeral callus weak; legs with hind femora swollen, in male first tarsomere not broader than in female.
Preliminary DNA characterization with multiple genes suggests that morphological identification may not be reliable for distinguishing some Aphthona species introduced into Canada and the USA for biocontrol of leafy spurge (Floate et al. 2016). The aedeagus of this species is most like that of A. lacertosa.
Native range. Palearctic: Europe (Löbl and Smetana 2010); introduced as a biocontrol agent to Canada and the USA (Winston et al. 2017).
Distribution in Canada. AB, BC, MB, NS, ON, QC, SK (Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013). Although there is no record of this species being released in QC, Aphthona cyparissiae was released there (Bourchier 2002) and it is possible that A. nigriscutis was among released material but was not recognized at the time. Clearly the species is established in the vicinity of Bristol Mines in QC and specimens have been collected as recently as 2015 (CNC). It is uncertain whether this species remains established in all provinces where releases occurred.
Distribution in USA. CO, IA, ID, MI, MN, MT, ND, NE, NH, NM, NV, NY, OR, RI, SD, UT, WA, WI, WY (Riley et al. 2003, Klimaszewski et al. 2010).
First Canadian records. The earliest releases were near Cardston, AB in 1983 (Kalischuk 2001, Bourchier et al. 2002), and Guelph, ON in 1983 (Sarazin and Hamilton 1988, LeSage and Paquin 1996). Other early release sites are Hanceville (near Alexis Creek), BC in 1986 (Anonymous 2018e), eight localities in MB in 1986, Broadview and Caronport, SK in 1986, and Mt. Thomas, NS in 1992 (Peter Harris, unpublished data).
First North American records. See above. It was first released in the USA in MT in 1989 (http://mtwow.org/Aphthona-nigriscutis.htm).
Habitat and host data. Aphthona nigriscutis is a biological control agent used in Canada for control of leafy spurge, Euphorbia esula L. (Euphorbiaceae). This species feeds on the roots of host plants. Palearctic populations of this species are associated with several Euphorbia species, including E. cyparissias L. E. esula, E. gracilis Elliott, E. pannonica Host, E. seguieriana Neck, and E. virgata Waldst. & Kit. (LeSage 1996, LeSage and Paquin 1996, Clark et al. 2004).
41. Chaetocnema concinna (Marsham)
[brassy flea beetle]
(Fig. 41, Map 32)
Diagnosis. Body length 1.8–2.4 mm, oval; head and pronotum metallic brass, copper, elytra sometimes dark green, elytra black with faint metallic reflections, first antennomere dorsally brown, antennomeres 2–10 gradually darker from yellow-brown to brown, last antennomere brown to black, femora black, tibiae and tarsi red-brown, tibiae often darker at midlength; frons with two groups of fine punctures near edge of eye; pronotum only slightly wider than long, at posterior with two short sublateral longitudinal impressions but without transverse impression, pronotal disc densely punctate, interspaces glossy to microreticulate; base of elytra only slightly wider than posterior of pronotum, elytral disc with regular impressed strial rows of dense punctures, interspaces glossy with very fine, sparse, and irregular punctation, humeral callus weak; legs with hind femora strongly swollen, hind tibiae with dorsal edge emarginate near apex, in male first tarsomere broader than in female. For genitalic illustrations, see LeSage and Majka (2010) and Konstantinov et al. (2011).
Native range. Palearctic: throughout Europe (Konstantinov et al. 2011); adventive in Canada and the USA (Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in Canada. BC, NB, NS, ON, PE, QC, SK (LeSage 1990, Riley et al. 2003, LeSage and Majka 2010, Bousquet et al. 2013). New jurisdictional records: BC: Surrey, 16 September 2003, in a commercial blueberry field, R. Costello (15 specimens, CNC); Abbotsford, 7 July 2008 (1 specimen, CNC); Nicomen Island, 49°9'57.60"N, 122°7'8.40"W, 17 May 2015, T. Hueppelsheuser (9 specimens, CNC). NF: St. Andrews, sweep of field, 59.232°W, 47.793°N, 17 June 2004,. Col. Henri Goulet (2 specimens, CNC). SK: Avonlea, 22 June 2009, yellow sticky traps, ex. canola, J.J. Soroka (10 specimens, CNC).
Distribution in USA. MA, ME, OR, TX (White 1996, Riley et al. 2003, Westcott et al. 2006, LeSage and Majka 2010).
First Canadian records. Hatfield Point, NB in 1981 (CNC); Igonish Center, NS in 1983; Charlottetown, PE in 1985 (LeSage 1990, LeSage and Majka 2010); undisclosed localities in QC in 1987–1989 (Lévesque and Lévesque 1998); Surrey, BC in 2003 (CNC).
First North American records. This species was first reported in North America from a female specimen collected on sudangrass (Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf) on a farm in Hingham, MA in 1979 (Hoebeke 1980, Hoebeke and Wheeler 1983).
Habitat and host data. Chaetocnema concinna occurs in a wide variety of habitats, in forests, fields, and prairies (LeSage and Majka 2010). It was found in association with many host plants, especially in the Polygonaceae (Newton 1929, Clark et al. 2004, Konstantinov et al. 2011). In Europe, larvae have been found feeding on the roots of buckwheat (Fagopyrum spp.), hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), sorrel (Rumex spp.), and rhubarb (Rheum spp.), and adults have often been reported to damage seedlings of sugar beets (Beta vulgaris L.) (Clark et al. 2004). In North America, C. concinna has no recorded economic importance, although it was observed in potato fields, in vineyards, and in strawberry fields (LeSage and Majka 2010).
42. Chaetocnema hortensis (Geoffroy)
[cereal stem flea beetle]
(Fig. 42 a, b, Map 33)
Diagnosis. Body length 1.7–2.2 mm, oval; color metallic brass, copper or slightly green, first four antennomeres yellow, antennomeres 5–7 gradually darker from yellow-brown to brown, last antennomere brown to black, tibiae and tarsi yellow to yellowish brown, occasionally tibiae infuscate in the middle, fore and mid femora the same colour as tibiae or slightly darker yellowish-brown, hind femora dark brown to black; frons on whole surface with moderately coarse punctation; pronotum wider than long, without sublateral longitudinal or transverse impressions, pronotal disc coarsely and densely punctate, interspaces as wide as punctures, microreticulate; base of elytra not wider than posterior of pronotum, elytral disc in postscutellar area with numerous irregular punctures, laterally and posteriorly with more or less regular impressed strial rows of dense punctures, interspaces glossy with very fine and sparse, irregular punctation, humeral callus weak; legs with hind femora strongly swollen, hind tibiae with dorsal edge emarginate near apex, in male first tarsomere distinctly broader than in female.
Native range. Palearctic: widespread across the region (Konstantinov et al. 2011); adventive in Canada (Pentinsaari et al. 2019).
Distribution in Canada. BC, LB, NF, NS, ON (Pentinsaari et al. 2019).
Distribution in USA. Not recorded.
First Canadian records. Elmwood, NS in 2005 (Pentinsaari et al. 2019).
First North American records. As above.
Habitat and host data. Chaetocnema hortensis mainly feeds on various grasses (Poaceae), including cereal crop species (Koch 1992, Konstantinov et al. 2011). It has been recorded as a minor pest of wheat and barley in Europe (Pavlov 1960, Vappula 1965). Most of the barcoded Canadian specimens were collected with Malaise traps in suburban environments (Pentinsaari et al. 2019). A few records are from grassland and forest habitats in Canadian national parks (Pentinsaari et al. 2019).
Comments. Chaetocnema hortensis has previously been confused with C. borealis White in Canada (Pentinsaari et al. 2019). Most Canadian specimens in CNC identified as C. borealis actually represent C. hortensis (Pentinsaari et al. 2019). The elytral punctation of the two species is similarly irregular basally. In C. borealis, the basal antennomeres are brown rather than pale yellow, and the dorsal surface has a blue rather than bronze or green lustre. The aedeagus is differently shaped in the two species [see illustrations in Konstantinov et al. (2011)].
43. Epitrix pubescens (Koch)
(Fig. 43 a, b, Map 34)
Diagnosis. Body length 1.5–2.0 mm, oval; body black, legs and antennae mostly yellowish to reddish only hind femora reddish-brown to dark brown and last 2–4 antennomeres infuscate; pronotum transverse, anterior corners form blunt denticle, sides rounded, disc moderately convex with two basal, deep longitudinal furrows and deeply impressed area between the furrows, surface of disc mostly coarsely and densely punctate, interspaces with alutaceous microsculpture; base of elytra wider than base of pronotum, disc with regular rows of moderately coarse but dense punctures, interspaces with alutaceous microsculpture, whole surface of elytra with long, erect, white hair; humeral callus marked; antennae long, longer than half length of body, legs slim, hind femora strongly swollen, hind tibiae straight, without apical notches or spurs; sexual dimorphism indistinct, first segment of fore tarsi in male only slightly wider than in female, antennae in male slightly longer than in female.
Native range. Palearctic: widespread across much of Europe and Russia (Döberl 2000, Bienkowski and Orlova-Bienkowskaja 2016); adventive in Canada and the USA (Deczynski 2014, 2019).
Distribution in Canada. NS, ON, QC (Deczynski 2019).
Distribution in USA. IL, MA, NH, NY, OR, WI (Deczynski 2014, 2019).
First Canadian records. Montreal, QC and Wellington County, ON in 1975 (Deczynski 2019).
First North American records. As above. The earliest USA record is from Rochester, NY in 1983 (Deczynski 2019).
Habitat and host data. Adults and larvae are oligophagous, and in the Palearctic they attack solanaceous hosts, mostly Solanum dulcamara L. and Hyoscyamus niger L., and occasionally Atropa belladonna L.; adults recently were observed also on potato in Portugal (Highet and Pearson 2015). Other solanaceous plants in the genera Nicotiana, Lycopersicon, Lycium, and Datura also are listed as hosts in the Palearctic (Bienkowski and Orlova-Bienkowskaja 2016). In ON and WI, the only hosts recorded for E. pubescens are European bittersweet (S. dulcamara), a common weed that was introduced into North America from Europe, and an unidentified Solanum sp. in Toronto (Deczynski 2019).
44. Longitarsus ferrugineus (Foudras)
[mint flea beetle]
(Fig. 44, Map 35)
Diagnosis. Body length 2.0–2.5 mm, oval; whole dorsum orange-brown or amber-yellow, with head brown-black in some, basal antennomeres yellow, from sixth antennomere gradually darker to apex, legs yellow, femora usually slightly darker than tibiae, orange-brown; frontal tubercles separated from remainder of frons by transverse furrows; pronotum wider than long, without impressions, surface of disc punctate, interspaces from glossy to slightly microreticulate; base of elytra slightly wider than posterior of pronotum, elytral disc with irregular, fine punctures, not aligned into striae, interspaces glossy, humeral callus weak; hind femora strongly swollen, hind tibiae almost straight, with long apical spur, only slightly shorter than width of apex of hind tibia, first tarsomere of foreleg not sexually dimorphic.
Native range. Palearctic: Europe, Caucasus, North Africa (Löbl and Smetana 2010); adventive in Canada and the USA (LeSage 1988).
Distribution in Canada. ON, PE, QC (LeSage 1988, Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013). Although LeSage (1988) listed it from NF, citing the source as “unpublished data,” we have not seen specimens from that province, so we consider this record questionable and choose to omit it.
Distribution in USA. ID, IN, MI, NY, OR, WA (Downie and Arnett 1996, Riley et al. 2003, Klimaszewski et al. 2010).
First Canadian records. Prince Edward County, ON in 1920 (CNC); Montreal, QC in 1979 (CNC); Chappell, PE in 1982 (CNC).
First North American records. As above. The earliest records for the USA are from near Fennville and Decatur, MI in 1922, possibly introduced on mint roots (Mentha sp.) imported from England (cited as Longitarsus waterhousei Kutschera (Gentner 1928), a synonym of L. ferrugineus, and as Longitarsus menthaphagus Gentner (Gentner 1926a), a replacement name for Longitarsus menthae Genter; also LeSage 1988, 1991). The first record from western North America is from OR in 1936 (as L. waterhousei; Hatch 1971, Riley et al. 2003).
Habitat and host data. This species feeds on Mentha spp., and is a pest of cultivated varieties. It is also on species of Lycopus and Teucrium in Europe (Lamiaceae) (Clark et al. 2004, Bukejs 2010, Klimaszewski et al. 2010). Adults feed on leaves and larvae on roots.
45. Longitarsus flavicornis (Stephens)
[ragwort flea beetle]
(Fig. 45, Map 36)
Diagnosis. Body length 2.6–3.4 mm, oval; almost whole body ochre to red-brown, apical antennomeres not or slightly darker, hind femora slightly darker than tibiae; frontal tubercles weak, not separated from the remaining surface of frons by transverse furrows; pronotum slightly wider than long, without impressions, surface of disc finely and sparsely punctate, interspaces glossy; elytra base wider than posterior of pronotum, disc with irregularly spaced fine punctures, not aligned into striae, interspaces somewhat dull, humeral callus absent; hind femora strongly swollen, hind tibiae almost straight, with short apical spur, shorter than width of apex of hind tibia, first tarsomere of male foreleg only slightly broader than in female, first tarsomere of hind leg longer than tarsomeres 2–5 combined.
Adults of Longitarsus flavicornis and Longitarsus jacobaeae (Waterhouse) closely resemble one another. Longitarsus flavicornis appears more red-brown than the paler yellow L. jacobaeae, has reduced humeral calli while in L. jacobaeae humeral calli are distinct, the aedeagus is more constricted at midlength than in L. jacobaeae, and the ventral membrane of the aedeagus on the posterior half is striated laterally while in L. jacobaeae the membrane is without striation or with very short, indistinct striation.
Native range. Palearctic: Europe, North Africa (Löbl and Smetana 2010); released as a biocontrol agent in Canada and the USA (Wilkinson 1986, Harris and Crozier 2006, Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in Canada. BC (Wilkinson 1986, Harris and Crozier 2006, Bousquet et al. 2013, Turner and Cesselli 2013). It is uncertain whether this species still occurs in Canada.
Distribution in USA. MT, OR (Rees et al. 1996, Turner and Cesselli 2013). It is not known if these populations were from releases. The status of establishment in the USA remains uncertain.
First Canadian records. The first release of L. flavicornis is believed to have been near Nanaimo, BC in 1974 and was an inadvertent release of specimens included in a shipment of L. jacobaeae from England (Anonymous 2015). Subsequent collections were made from the established Nanaimo site and released on the lower mainland, but there was no attempt to sort out the two species so it is assumed that the translocations included both species (Anonymous 2015).
First North American records. As above.
Habitat and host data. Introduced in the Coastal Douglas-fir Biogeoclimatic Zone of BC for biological control of tansy ragwort, Jacobaea vulgaris Gaertn (Asteraceae) (Turner and Cesselli 2013). Adults create ragged shot-hole feeding patterns on leaves and larvae feed on roots. Longitarsus flavicornis requires sunny locations with a high density of plants growing in well-drained soils. It does not tolerate flooding, heavy shade or elevation over 400 m. Areas with long, moist autumns are required.
46. Longitarsus ganglbaueri Heikertinger
(Fig. 46, Map 36)
Diagnosis. Body length 2.3–2.5 mm, oval; head, ventral surfaces and apical 6–7 antennomeres black, basal antennomeres, pronotum and elytra yellow to yellow-brown, elytra bordered by brown longitudinal stripe along suture in most, sometimes also pronotal sides with diffuse brown patches, legs yellow, tarsi at least with tarsomeres 3–5 darker, hind femora brown to black dorsally and yellow-brown ventrally; frontal tubercles weak, not separated from the remaining surface of frons by transverse furrow; pronotum slightly wider than long, without transverse impressions, surface of disc finely and sparsely punctate, interspaces usually slightly dull and often microreticulate; base of elytra wider than posterior of pronotum, disc with irregular punctures, punctures not arranged into striae, interspaces glossy, humeral callus weak; hind femora strongly swollen, hind tibiae straight, with short apical spur, shorter than width of apex of hind tibia, first tarsomere of foreleg sexually dimorphic, in male broader than in female, first tarsomere of hindleg longer than tarsomeres 2–5 combined.
Native range. Palearctic: Europe (Löbl and Smetana 2010); adventive in Canada and the USA (Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in Canada. MB, NB, NS, PE?, QC? (Westcott et al. 1985, Riley et al. 2003, Hoebeke and Wheeler 2005, Bousquet et al. 2013, Webster 2016). Bousquet et al. (2013) recorded it from PE and QC but we were unable to locate specimens or verified records so these jurisdictional records are questionable.
Distribution in USA. OR (Westcott et al. 1985, Riley et al. 2003).
First Canadian records. Glenlea, MB in 1978 (Westcott et al. 1985); Halifax, NS in 1993 (Hoebeke and Wheeler 2005).
First North American records. Linn Co., OR in 1976 (Westcott et al. 1985).
Habitat and host data. In Europe and North America, this species is recorded from various ragwort species, Senecio spp. (Asteraceae) (LeSage 1988).
47. Longitarsus jacobaeae (Waterhouse)
[tansy ragwort flea beetle]
(Fig. 47, Map 37)
Diagnosis. Body length 2.5–4.0 mm, oval; almost whole body orange-brown or amber-yellow, only antennomeres 5–11 gradually darker, mouthparts and tarsomeres 3–5 brown, hind femora not or only slightly darker than tibiae; frontal tubercles weak, not separated from the remaining surface of frons by transverse furrows; pronotum slightly wider than long, without impressions, surface of disc finely and sparsely punctate, interspaces glossy; base of elytra wider than posterior of pronotum, elytral disc with irregular, fine punctures which are not arranged into striae, interspaces somewhat dull, humeral calli absent; hind femora strongly swollen, hind tibiae almost straight, with short apical spur, shorter than width of apex of hind tibia, first tarsomere of male foreleg only slightly broader than in female, first tarsomere of hindleg longer than tarsomeres 2–5 combined.
Native range. Palearctic: Europe (Löbl and Smetana 2010); introduced as a biocontrol agent to Canada and the USA (Harris et al. 1984, Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in Canada. BC, NB?, NS, PE (Riley et al. 2003, Hoebeke and Wheeler 2005, Bousquet et al. 2013). Although released near Cambridge, ON in 1984 (Peter Harris, unpublished data), there is no evidence the species is established in ON. Specimens and verified locality records from NB have not been encountered beyond the release site at Fredericton; however, it seems likely the species is present in NB given how widespread it is in NS.
Distribution in USA. CA, OR, WA (Frick 1970, Westcott et al. 1985, Riley et al. 2003).
First Canadian records. This species was first released (and established) in Canada at Vancouver, BC in 1971 using stock from California that had originated near Rome, Italy (Harris et al. 1984). Other material was released at Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Nanaimo, BC between 1971–1978 with apparent establishment. Material from established populations in BC was released in PE (Mt. Herbert and Charlottetown) in 1978 and 1981, in NB (Fredericton) in 1981, and in ON (near Cambridge) in 1984, with apparent establishment in PE and uncertain establishment in NB and ON.
First North American records. Releases in the USA began in 1969 in CA (Frick 1970, Julien and Griffiths 1998).
Habitat and host data. This species was introduced to Canada as a biocontrol agent targeting the perennial weed tansy ragwort, Jacobaea vulgaris Gaertn. It also occasionally breeds on other Jacobaea spp. (Frick 1970, LeSage 1988).
48. Longitarsus lewisii Baly
(Fig. 48 a, b, Map 38)
Diagnosis. Body length 1.8–2.1 mm, oval; head yellowish-brown to black, pronotum and elytra yellow to yellow-brown, elytral suture in posterior two-thirds or more black, scutellum and ventral surfaces brown to black, antennomeres 1–3 yellow, more distal antennormeres gradually darker, legs yellow with hind femora brown to black, in dark specimens whole suture, basal margin of pronotum and lateral margins of elytra black; frontal tubercles not separated from the remaining surface of frons by transverse furrows; pronotum distinctly wider than long, without impressions, surface of disc finely and sparsely punctate, interspaces with diffused microreticulation; base of elytra wider than posterior of pronotum, elytral disc with irregular, fine punctures, punctures not arranged into striae, interspaces microreticulate, humeral callus variably present; hind femora strongly swollen, hind tibiae straight, with apical spur shorter than width of apex of hind tibia, first tarsomere of fore leg broader in male than female, first tarsomere of hind leg longer than tarsomeres 2–5 combined.
Native range. Palearctic: widespread in Europe, throughout Eurasia to China and the Russian Far East (Pentinsaari et al. 2019); adventive in Canada and the USA (Pentinsaari et al. 2019).
Distribution in Canada. ON (Pentinsaari et al. 2019).
Distribution in USA. Not recorded.
First Canadian records. Cornwall, ON in 2016 (Pentinsaari et al. 2019).
First North American records. As above.
Habitat and host data. This species feeds on Plantago species, especially P. major L. (Koch 1992, Rutanen and Martikainen 2014). In Finland, it is most often collected in dry, barren habitats (Rutanen and Martikainen 2014). The Canadian specimens were collected with a Malaise trap in a suburban residential area (Pentinsaari et al. 2019).
49. Longitarsus luridus (Scopoli)
(Fig. 49, Map 39)
Diagnosis. Body length 1.6–2.4 mm, oval; colour extremely variable, in the most common form dorsum uniformly yellow-brown, with yellow-brown basal antennomeres and legs, and brown apical antennomeres and hind femora, but other specimens almost uniformly yellow to nearly dark brown with paler basal antennomeres tibiae and tarsi, or bicoloured, red-brown with dark brown stripe along suture and paler spots on humeri and in apices of elytra; frontal tubercles weak, not separated from the remaining surface of frons by transverse furrows; pronotum slightly wider than long, without impressions, surface of disc punctate, interspaces from glossy to microreticulate, dull; base of elytra slightly wider than posterior of pronotum, elytral disc with irregular punctures, which are not arranged into striae, interspaces from glossy to slightly dull, humeral callus absent; hind femora strongly swollen, hind tibiae curved, with short apical spur, shorter than width of apex of hind tibia, first tarsomere of male foreleg broader than in female, first tarsomere of hindleg longer than tarsomeres 2–5 combined.
Native range. Palearctic: Europe (Löbl and Smetana 2010); adventive in Canada and the USA (Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in Canada. NB, NF, NS, ON, PE, QC (Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in USA. CT, ME, VT (Riley et al. 2003).
First Canadian records. Truro, NS in 1913 (CNC specimens); Lauzon, QC in 1921 (CNC); Prince Edward Co., ON in 1925 (CNC); Bathurst, NB in 1939 (CNC); widespread in NF in 1949 (CNC).
First North American records. As above. The first published USA record is Amston, Tolland Co., CT in 1979 (Anonymous 1981, Hoebeke and Wheeler 1983).
Habitat and host data. Larvae are reported as leafminers of Plantago in Europe (LeSage 1988). The primary host plants of L. luridus has not been confirmed in North America (LeSage 1988). In the United Kingdom, adult hosts include members of the families Boraginaceae and Urticaceae (LeSage 1988).
50. Longitarsus pellucidus (Foudras)
(Fig. 50, Map 40)
Diagnosis. Body length 2.0–2.4 mm, oval; almost whole body pale yellow-brown, only antennomeres 5–11 gradually darker, and ventral surfaces and hind femora darker; frontal tubercles weak, not separated from the remaining surface of frons by transverse furrows; pronotum wider than long, without impressions, surface of disc finely and sparsely punctate, interspaces glossy; base of elytra not or only slightly wider than posterior of pronotum, elytral disc with irregular, fine punctures which are not arranged into striae, but forming irregular rows in some, interspaces glossy, humeral callus weak; hind femora strongly swollen, hind tibiae slightly curved, with short apical spur, spur shorter than width of apex of hind tibia, first tarsomere of male foreleg broader than in female, first tarsomere of hindleg longer than tarsomeres 2–5 combined.
Native range. Palearctic: Europe (Löbl and Smetana 2010); adventive in Canada (Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in Canada. ON, QC? (Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013). Although recorded from QC in some checklists (e.g., Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013), we have not seen specimens or verified locality records; thus, this jurisdictional record is questionable.
Distribution in USA. Not recorded. As it is known from adjacent parts of Canada, it possibly occurs in the northeastern USA.
First Canadian records. Prince Edward Co., ON from sometime between 1926 to 1955 (CNC; LeSage 1988); Chatham, ON in 1933 (CNC).
First North American records. As above.
Habitat and host data. In Europe, this species is recorded mostly from Convolvulus spp. and Calystegia spp. (Convolvulaceae) (LeSage 1988, Clark et al. 2004).
51. Longitarsus pratensis (Panzer)
(Fig. 51, Map 41)
Diagnosis. Body length 1.4–1.8 mm, oval; head brown to black, pronotum and elytra yellow to yellow-brown, scutellum and ventral surfaces brown to black, antennomeres 1–5 yellow, more distal antennomeres gradually darker, legs yellow with hind femora brown to black and last two tarsomeres somewhat darker, in dark specimens pronotum often partly darker and elytral suture narrowly brown; frontal tubercles softly marked, not separated from the remaining surface of frons by transverse furrows; pronotum distinctly wider than long, without impressions, surface of disc finely and sparsely punctate, interspaces microreticulate; base of elytra wider than posterior of pronotum, elytral disc with irregular, fine punctures, punctures not arranged into striae, interspaces microreticulate, humeral callus strong; legs short, hind femora strongly swollen, hind tibiae straight, with apical spur shorter than width of apex of hind tibia, first tarsomere of foreleg broader in male than female, first tarsomere of hindleg longer than tarsomeres 2–5 combined.
Native range. Palearctic: Europe (Löbl and Smetana 2010); adventive in Canada and the USA (LeSage 1988, Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in Canada. ON, PE, QC (LeSage 1988, Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in USA. NC, NY, TN, VA, WV (Riley et al. 2003).
First Canadian records. Aylmer, QC in 1924 (CNC); Southampton, ON in 1939 (CNC; LeSage 1988); Charlottetown, PE in 1987 (LeSage 1988).
First North American records. As above. The earliest published USA record is from Ithaca, NY in 1928 (Heikertinger 1929, LeSage 1988).
Habitat and host data. In Europe, most collections are from Plantago spp. (Plantaginaceae). In North America, it is associated with Plantago major L. and P. lanceolata L. (LeSage 1988; E.R. Hoebeke, unpublished data).
52. Longitarsus quadriguttatus (Pontoppidan)
(Fig. 52, Map 42)
Diagnosis. Body length 2.5–3.3 mm, short oval; head, pronotum and ventral surfaces black, elytra black, with four diffuse yellow-red spots in most specimens, two on humeri and two apically, sometimes humeral and apical spots elongated and connected together to form a lateral stripe, occasionally whole elytra black, antennomeres 1–5 yellow, more distal antennomeres gradually darker, apical antennomeres black, legs mostly yellow, hind femora brown to black and tarsomeres 3–5 darker; frontal tubercles lightly marked, separated from the remaining surface of frons by shallow transverse furrows; pronotum slightly wider than long, without impressions, surface of disc finely and sparsely punctate, interspaces glossy; elytra base wider than posterior of pronotum, disc with irregular punctures, punctures not arranged in striae, interspaces glossy, humeral callus weak; hind femora strongly swollen, hind tibiae straight, with short apical spur, shorter than width of apex of hind tibia, first tarsomere of male foreleg broader than in female, first tarsomere of hindleg longer than tarsomeres 2–5 combined.
Native range. Palearctic: Europe (Löbl and Smetana 2010); introduced as a biocontrol agent to Canada (Bousquet et al. 2013, DeClerck-Floate 2013).
Distribution in Canada. AB, BC (Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013). Although the species is established at multiple localities in BC, it is not clear whether the previously established population in AB is still present as the last confirmation of its presence was in 2009 (DeClerck-Floate 2013).
Distribution in USA. The species was not released in the USA, and natural spread from established populations in Canada to the USA has not yet been documented.
First Canadian records. The first releases were in Kamloops, BC in 1998–1999 and Lethbridge, AB in 1999 for control of the perennial weed, houndstongue, Cynoglossum officinale L. (Boraginaceae) (DeClerck-Floate 2013, Winston et al. 2016).
First North American records. As above.
Habitat and host data. Adults feed on aerial plant parts of houndstongue while the larvae mine in the cortex of the taproot and in secondary roots (Schwarzländer 2000).
53 Longitarsus rubiginosus (Foudras)
(Fig. 53, Map 43)
Diagnosis. Body length 1.8–2.7 mm, oval; almost whole body yellow to yellow-brown, including legs and antennae, sometimes hind femora and apical antennomeres orange-brown, autumn generation usually darker than summer generation; frontal tubercles somewhat elevated, not separated from the remaining surface of frons by transverse furrows; antennae long, in male as long as in female, slightly shorter than body length; pronotum wider than long, without impressions, surface of disc fine and sparsely punctate, interspaces glossy; elytra base not wider than posterior of pronotum, disc with irregular punctures, not arranged into striae, interspaces glossy, humeral callus weak; hind femora strongly swollen, hind tibiae slightly curved, with short apical spur, shorter than width of apex of hind tibia, first tarsomere of male foreleg slightly broader than in female, first tarsomere of hindleg longer than tarsomeres 2–5 combined.
Native range. Palearctic: Europe (Löbl and Smetana 2010); adventive in Canada (Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in Canada. NB, NS, ON, PE, QC (Riley et al. 2003, Hoebeke and Wheeler 2005, Bousquet et al. 2013, Webster et al. 2016). New jurisdictional records: PE: Chappell, 27 Aug. 1982, yellow pan trap in potato field, L.S. Thompson (CNC); Harrington, 5 Sept. 1986 (1 specimen, CNC); New London Bay, 2 Sept. 2001 (5 specimens, CNC).
Distribution in USA. Not yet recorded but it is expected that spread from Canada will occur.
First Canadian records. Prince Edward Co., ON in 1957 (LeSage 1988); Nicolet, QC in 1975 (CNC); Chappell, PE in 1982 (CNC); Shelburne, NS in 1994 (Hoebeke and Wheeler 2005).
First North American records. As above.
Habitat and host data. In Europe, this species is recorded mostly from Convolvulus spp. and Calystegia spp. (Convolvulaceae) (LeSage 1988, Clark et al. 2004).
54. Longitarsus succineus (Foudras)
[chrysanthemum flea beetle]
(Fig. 54, Map 44)
Diagnosis. Body length 1.7–2.4 mm, oval; almost whole body yellow-brown, including legs and antennae, sometimes hind femora and apical antennomeres darker; frontal tubercles weak, not separated from the remaining surface of frons by transverse furrows; antennae very long, as long as or slightly longer than body length; pronotum wider than long, without impressions, surface of disc extremely fine and sparsely punctate, interspaces glossy; elytra base not wider than posterior of pronotum, disc with irregular, fine and sparse punctures, not arranged into striae, interspaces glossy, humeral callus weak; hind femora strongly swollen, hind tibiae slightly curved, with short apical spur, shorter than width of apex of hind tibia, first tarsomere of male foreleg not broader than in female, first tarsomere of hindleg longer than tarsomeres 2–5 combined.
Native range. Palearctic: Europe (Löbl and Smetana 2010); adventive in Canada (Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in Canada. NF (Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in USA. Not recorded.
First Canadian records. St. John’s, NF before 1926 [as Longitarsus ovalis Genter, a synonym of L. succineus (CNC; Gentner 1926b, Brown 1967)].
First North American records. As above.
Habitat and host data. In Europe, hosts include mostly composites, such as Achillea, Artemesia, Chrysanthemum, Eupatorium, and Jacobaea. In North America, host plants are not yet determined (LeSage 1988).
55. Lythraria salicariae (Paykull)
[loosestrife flea beetle]
(Fig. 55 a, b, Map 45)
Diagnosis. Body length 1.8–2.3 mm, short-oval; whole body, including legs and antennae, yellowish to rusty, in the darkest specimens red-brown, sutural margin in posterior two-thirds or more brown to black; frons impunctate, glossy; pronotum much wider than long, without impressions, surface of disc finely and sparsely punctate, interspaces smooth and more or less glossy; base of elytra wider than posterior of pronotum, elytral disc with regular, moderately coarse punctures, arranged into striae, interspaces smooth and more or less glossy; hind femora moderately swollen, hind tibiae straight, without apical excavation and spurs, first tarsomere of foreleg broader in male than female, first tarsomere of hindleg shorter than tarsomeres 2–5 combined.
Native range. Palearctic: Widespread in Europe, scattered records in Asia to East Siberia and Japan (Döberl 2010); adventive in Canada and the USA (Pentinsaari et al. 2019).
Distribution in Canada. ON (Pentinsaari et al. 2019).
Distribution in USA. Not recorded.
First Canadian records. Cambridge, ON in 2017 (Pentinsaari et al. 2019).
First North American records. As above.
Habitat and host data. Lythraria salicariae occurs in wetland and marshy shoreline habitats as well as in forest depressions (Koch 1992). The larvae develop on Lysimachia species, and the adults occasionally feed also on Lythrum salicaria L. (Koch 1992, Dolgovskaya et al. 2004). The Canadian specimens were collected with pan traps in a grassy wetland and a mixed habitat of agricultural fields and forest (Pentinsaari et al. 2019).
56. Mantura chrysanthemi (Koch)
(Fig. 56, Map 46)
Diagnosis. Body length 1.8–2.5 mm, elongate; dorsum usually red-brown to brown-black with brass or copper reflection, pale specimens often red-brown with indistinct metallic reflection, basal six antennomeres red-brown, first two often brown dorsally, distal five antennomeres brown to black, legs mostly red-brown, hind femora brown; antennae <50% length of body; pronotum wider than long, sides regularly rounded, disc convex with two basal, longitudinal furrows, but without transverse furrow, surface of disc with coarse punctures separated by twice their average diameter, interspaces somewhat microreticulate; elytra base not wider than posterior of pronotum, disc with regular impressed rows of strial punctures, interspaces from glossy to dull, humeral callus low; hind femora strongly swollen, hind tibiae narrow in basal half then broadened apically, without apical spur, first tarsomere of male foreleg broader than in female.
Native range. Palearctic: Europe (Löbl and Smetana 2010); adventive in Canada and the USA (Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in Canada. AB, MB, NB, NF, NS, ON, PE, QC, SK (Levesque and Levesque 1998, Riley et al. 2003, Majka 2010, Webster et al. 2012, Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in USA. MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI (Riley et al. 2003, online images at www.bugguide.net).
First Canadian records. Prince Edward County, ON in 1900 (CNC); Aweme, MB in 1908 (CNC); Lethbridge, AB in 1939 (CNC); Imperoyal, NS in 1947 (CNC); several localities in NF in 1949 (CNC); Hull, QC in 1954 (CNC); Saskatoon, SK in 1976 (CNC).
First North American records. As above. The first published USA record is from Framingham, MA before 1950 (Brown 1950).
Habitat and host data. This species appears to be oligophagous on a small number of plants in the genus Rumex (Polygonaceae) (Harms and Grodowitz 2009), including sheep sorrel, Rumex acetosella L. (Brown 1950, Clark et al. 2004, Saroli et al. 2016).
57. Neocrepidodera ferruginea (Scopoli)
[European rusted flea beetle, wheat flea beetle]
(Fig. 57, Map 47)
Diagnosis. Body length 2.7–3.6 mm, elongate; body uniformly yellow-red to red, including legs and antennae; antennae >50% length of body; pronotum wider than long, sides rounded, disc convex with two posterior, deep longitudinal impressions and connected by a deep transverse impression, surface of disc finely and sparsely impunctate and glossy; elytra base wider than posterior of pronotum, disc with regular impressed strial rows of punctures, interstriae glossy, humeral callus low; hind femora strongly swollen, hind tibiae straight, without apical spur, first tarsomere of male foreleg broader than in female.
Native range. Palearctic: Europe (Löbl and Smetana 2010); adventive in Canada (LeSage and Savard 2012, Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in Canada. ON, PE, QC (LeSage and Savard 2012, Bousquet et al. 2013). New jurisdictional record: PE: Crapaud, 15 Sept. 2011, pitfall trap, C. Noronha (1 specimen, CNC).
Distribution in USA. Not recorded.
First Canadian records. Niagara Falls, ON in 1977 (CNC; LeSage and Savard 2012); Aylmer, QC in 2003 (CNC).
First North American records. As above.
Habitat and host data. Adults are polyphagous and larvae attack several cultivated cereals (Poacaeae). Little is known about its biology in North America. Although numerous “hosts” are reported for adults of N. ferruginea, most cannot be considered larval hosts since larval development was observed only in a few species of Poaceae (LeSage and Savard 2012).
58. Phyllotreta armoraciae (Koch)
[horseradish flea beetle]
(Fig. 58, Map 49)
Diagnosis. Body length 2.5–3.5 mm, oval; head, pronotum and scutellum black, elytra mostly yellow with broad, black stripe along suture and narrow black stripe surrounding disc, humeri yellow, antennomeres 1–3 yellow, first antennomere sometimes darker dorsally, antennomeres 4–11 black, tibiae and tarsi yellow, fore and mid femora mostly brown to black with yellow-brown apex, hind femora black, sometimes also last two tarsomeres darker; frons with group of small punctures; pronotum wider than long, sides regularly rounded, disc convex, without impressions, surface of disc finely and sparsely punctate, interspaces about two times puncture diameter and glossy or with diffuse microreticulation; elytra base slightly wider than posterior of pronotum, disc with completely irregular, fine punctation not arranged into strial rows, interspaces glossy, humeral callus weak; hind femora swollen, hind tibiae straight, without apical spur, first tarsomere of male foreleg broader than in female.
Native range. Palearctic: Europe (Löbl and Smetana 2010); adventive in Canada and the USA (Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in Canada. AB, BC, MB, NB, NS, ON, PE?, QC, SK (Riley et al. 2003, Klimaszewski et al. 2010, Bousquet et al. 2013). Although listed from PE in various checklists (e.g., Bousquet et al. 2013), we have not seen specimens or verified locality records; thus, this jurisdictional record should be treated as questionable. However, given its wide distribution, it seems likely it occurs in PE. New jurisdictional record: AB: Medicine Hat, 8 May 1965, Lot 3, Carr (1 specimen, CNC).
Distribution in USA. CT, DE, IA, ID, IL, IN, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, SD, WA, WI, WV (Riley et al. 2003, online images at www.bugguide.net).
First Canadian records. The earliest accessioned specimen in a collection is from Montreal, QC in 1910 (CNC); however, the earliest published record from Canada is from an undisclosed locality in ON in 1908 (Beirne 1971). Other early records include Creston, BC in 1928 (UBC); Rock Lake, MB in 1929 (CNC); Fredericton, NB in 1930 (CNC); Moose Jaw, SK in 1944 (Burgess 1980, 1981); and Kentville, NS in 1956 (CNC).
First North American records. Chicago, IL in 1893 (Chittenden 1895, Chittenden 1927, Burgess 1981).
Habitat and host data. In its native range, P. armoraciae is considered a monophagous species feeding only on horseradish, Armoracia lapathifolia Usteri (Brassicaecae) (Vig and Verdyck 2001). Phyllotreta armoraciae is not monophagous under laboratory conditions, and may utilize other hosts; adults feed on several cruciferous plants to the same extent as on horseradish (Vig and Verdyck 2001), including radish, cabbage, and turnip in Canada (Beirne 1971). Larvae are stem miners, restricted to the petiole and midribs of horseradish leaves, and rarely mine the roots (Chittenden 1923).
59. Phyllotreta cruciferae (Goeze)
[crucifer flea beetle, cabbage flea beetle]
(Fig. 59, Map 50)
Diagnosis. Body length 1.8–2.5 mm, elongate to elongate-oval; dorsum black with green or blue metallic reflection, antennomeres 1–4 yellow but often antennomeres 1 and 4 partly darker, antennomeres 5–11 black, legs mostly black, apex of femur, basal parts of tibiae and tarsi often red-brown to brown; frons with group of small punctures; pronotum wider than long, sides regularly rounded, disc convex, without impressions, surface of disc finely punctate with punctures separated by 1.0–1.5 times average puncture diameter, interspaces with diffuse microreticulation; elytra base slightly wider than posterior of pronotum, disc mostly with irregular punctation, punctures often tend to form somewhat regular rows but strial rows not coherent for entire length of elytra, interspaces glossy, humeral callus weak; hind femora swollen, hind tibiae straight, without apical spur, first tarsomere of male foreleg slightly broader than in female.
Native range. Palearctic: Europe (Löbl and Smetana 2010); adventive in Canada and the USA (Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in Canada. AB, BC, MB, NB, NS, ON, PE, QC, SK (Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in USA. CA, CO, CT, DE, ID, IL, MA, MD, ME, MN, MT, ND, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, UT, WI, WV, WY (Riley et al. 2003, online images at www.bugguide.net)
First Canadian records. Agassiz, BC in 1921 (CNC; Brown 1967); Sandy Cove, NS in 1931 (CNC). It was reported from all three prairie provinces in the 1940s but was undoubtedly there in the 1930s (Brown 1967), although the earliest specimen from the prairie provinces accessioned in a collection is from Yorkton, SK in 1946 (RSM). Brown (1967) reported the species from eastern ON and southwestern QC in 1954; however, there are specimens from Prince Edward County, ON in 1946 (CNC) and Guelph, ON in 1948 (CNC).
First North American records. As above. The earliest published USA records include Friday Harbor, WA in 1926 (Hatch 1971); OR in 1935; MN in 1947; and DE in 1951 (Milliron 1953).
Habitat and host data. Host plants include mainly mustards and related plants (Brassicaceae), but especially canola (Palaniswamy and Lamb 1992). It is an important agricultural pest of canola in the northern Great Plains of the USA and Canada. Adult flea beetles emerge in the spring and feed on the cotyledons and leaves (Palaniswamy and Lamb 1992).
60. Phyllotreta punctulata (Marsham)
[radish flea beetle]
(Fig. 60, Map 48)
Diagnosis. Body length 1.6–2.0 mm, elongate to elongate-oval; dorsum black without metallic reflection, antennomeres 1–4 yellow but often antennomeres 1 and 4 partly darker, antennomeres 5–11 black, legs mostly black, basal parts of tibiae and first tarsomere often red-brown to brown; frons with group of small punctures; pronotum wider than long, sides regularly rounded, disc convex, without impressions, surface of disc finely but densely punctate, interspaces with microreticulation; elytra base slightly wider than posterior of pronotum, disc with completely irregular punctation, not arranged into strial rows, interspaces microreticulate, humeral callus weak; hind femora swollen, hind tibiae straight, without apical spur, first tarsomere of male foreleg slightly broader than in female.
Native range. Palearctic: Europe (Löbl and Smetana 2010); adventive in Canada and the USA (Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in Canada. NB?, ON, QC (Bousquet et al. 2013). Although recorded (as the synonym Phyllotreta aerea Allard) from NB by Bousquet et al. (2013), we could not find specimens or locality records; thus, this jurisdictional record is questionable.
Distribution in USA. NY, PA (cited as P. aerea, Chittenden 1927, Riley et al. 2003). Records also exist in the literature for MI and SD (Riley et al. 2003) but these are probably in error.
First Canadian records. Vineland, ON in 1937 (CNC; Beirne 1971, cited as P. aerea); Dunham, QC in 1997 (CNC).
First North American records. Rochester, NY in 1919–1921 (Chittenden 1927, cited as P. aerea).
Habitat and host data. The species is associated mainly with various Brassicaceae. The junior synonym, P. aerea, was reported from Alliaria, Arabis, Armoracia rusticana G. Gaertn., B. Mey., & Scherb. (synonym: Armoracia lapathifolia Gilib.), Brassica spp., Bunias spp., Cakile maritima Scop., Erysimum verrucosum Boiss & Gaill., Isatis tinctoria L., Lepidium campestre (L.) R. Br., Raphanus sativus L. Rapistrum rugosum (L.) All., Sinaspis arvensis L., and Sisymbrium altissimum L. (Clark et al. 2004, cited as P. punctulata).
61. Phyllotreta striolata (Fabricius)
[striped flea beetle]
(Fig. 61, Map 51)
Diagnosis. Body length 1.8–2.2 mm, elongate-oval; head, pronotum and scutellum black, elytra black with yellow pattern forming elongate patch on each elytron, sutural area black, broad with parallel sides at midlength and narrowed anteriorly and posteriorly, black colour surrounds disc, humeri always black, yellow patch deeply emarginate laterally by black colour, not reaching apex or side of elytra, antennomeres 1–3 from yellow to black, remaining antennomeres black, legs mostly black, knee, basal parts of tibiae and tarsi sometimes red-brown to brown; frons with group of small punctures; antennomere 5 as long as 2 and 3 combined in male, slightly flattened; pronotum wider than long, sides regularly rounded, disc convex, without impressions, surface of disc with punctures separated by 0.7 to 1.5 times average puncture diameter, interspaces glossy or with with diffuse microreticulation; elytra base slightly wider than posterior of pronotum, disc with fine punctation, irregular but slightly arranged in short rows in some, interspaces glossy, humeral callus weak; hind femora swollen, hind tibiae straight or slightly curved, without apical spur, first tarsomere of male foreleg broader than in female.
Native range. Palearctic: Europe (Löbl and Smetana 2010); adventive in Canada and the USA (Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in Canada. AB, BC, MB, NB, NF, NS, NT, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT (Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in USA. AK and lower 48 states (Riley et al. 2003).
First Canadian records. Quebec City, QC before 1759 (Bain et al. 2009); London, ON in 1899 (DEBU); Aweme, MB in 1903 (DEBU); Fredericton, NB and Portaupique, NS in 1929 (CNC); Saskatoon, SK in 1926 (CNC); Calgary, AB in 1945 (CNC); Reindeer Depot, NT in 1948 (CNC); Stephenville, NF in 1949; Moberly Lake, BC in 1968 (CNC).
First North American records. Boston, MA from 1675–1740 (Bain 1998, Bain and King 2011). It was first reported from “Carolina” in 1801 and reached the northwestern USA by commerce or an independent introduction before 1923 (Chittenden 1923, Smith 1985, Campbell et al. 1989).
Habitat and host data. Phyllotreta striolata is a specialist on plants of the family Brassicaceae, attacking cabbage as well as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, collards, horseradish, kale, kohlrabi, mustards, radish, rutabaga, turnip, and also other garden plants (Palaniswamy and Lamb 1992). Most damage is caused by overwintering adults destroying the first leaves as they appear above ground in the spring. Larvae feed on roots of the host plants and often do considerable injury (Beirne 1971). Interestingly, an aggregation of millions of adults of this species was found above treeline at an elevation of ca. 2900 m in the Rocky Mountains of southwestern Alberta (Askevold 1988).
62. Psylliodes affinis (Paykull)
[European potato flea beetle]
(Fig. 62, Map 52)
Diagnosis. Body length 2.0–2.6 mm, oval; head red-brown to black, scutellum brown-black, pronotum and elytra from yellow to orange-brown, elytral suture narrowly black, fore and mid legs yellow to orange-brown, femora sometimes darker basally, hind femora brown to black, hind tibiae and tarsi yellow to orange-brown, antennae with 10 yellow antennomeres; frons microreticulate, without punctures; pronotum wider than long with angulate to acute anterior corners, sides softly, regularly rounded, disc convex, without impressions, surface of disc with punctures separated by 1.0–1.5 times average diameter, interspaces glossy or microreticulate; elytra base wider than posterior of pronotum, disc with regular strial rows of punctures that are weakly impressed, interspaces glossy with or with weak microreticulation, humeral callus weak; hind femora strongly swollen, hind tibiae curved, with short apical spur, hind tarsus attached to tibia at four-fifths tibial length (i.e., apex of tibia extends beyond attachment), first tarsomere of male foreleg broader than in female.
Native range. Palearctic: Europe (Löbl and Smetana 2010); adventive in Canada and the USA (Wheeler and Hoebeke 1983, Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in Canada. BC, NB, NS, ON, PE?, QC (Wheeler and Hoebeke 1983, LeSage 1991, Webster et al. 2012, Bousquet et al. 2013, online images at bugguide.net). Although recorded from PE in some checklists, we have not seen specimens or verified locality records; thus, this jurisdictional record is treated as questionable. New jurisdictional record: BC: Abbotsford, 49°02'49.14"N, 122°11'37.81"W, w/# 57 Potato field, Heuppelheuser, 3 June 2008 (2 specimens, CNC).
Distribution in USA. MA, MD, ME, MI, NH, NY, OH, PA, RI, UT, WA, WI, WV (Wheeler and Hoebeke 1983, Wheeler 1992, Cavey 1994, Riley et al. 2003, online images at www.bugguide.net).
First Canadian records. Guelph, ON in 1972 (DEBU); Montreal, QC in 1980 (CNC); Halifax, NS in 2001 (CNC); Abbotsford, BC in 2008 (CNC).
First North American records. Albany and Greene Counties, NY in 1968 (Anonymous 1968, Wheeler and Hoebeke 1983).
Habitat and host data. Psylliodes affinis, a specialized feeder on Solanaceae, prefers bitter nightshade, Solanum dulcamara L., but often feeds on potato, S. tuberosum L. It is usually only a minor pest of potato but sometimes causes severe local infestations. Adults may attack other solanaceous hosts, including tobacco, tomato, black henbane, and Lycium sp., and occasionally hops (Cannabinaceae) (Wheeler and Hoebeke 1983).
63. Psylliodes chrysocephalus (Linnaeus)
[cabbage stem flea beetle, rape flea beetle]
(Fig. 63, Map 53)
Diagnosis. Body length 3.2–4.6 mm, elongate-oval; head at least partly red-brown, pronotum, scutellum and elytra in most specimens metallic green or blue, some with whole head and pronotum red-brown, or pronotum metallic green and elytra yellow to yellow-brown, fore and mid legs yellow, hind femora brown to black, hind tibiae and tarsi yellow, antennae with 10 antennomeres, antennomeres 1–3 yellow, more distal antennomeres gradually darker; frons microreticulate, without punctures; pronotum wider than long with obtuse anterior corners, sides regularly rounded, disc convex, without impressions, surface of disc with punctures separated by about 1.0 to 1.5 times average puncture diameter, interspaces glossy; elytra base wider than posterior of pronotum, disc with regular strial rows of punctures, striae not impressed, interstriae glossy, humeral callus weak; hind femora strongly swollen, hind tibiae almost straight, with short apical spur, hind tarsus attached to tibia at four-fifths tibial length (i.e., apex of tibia extends beyond attachment), first tarsomere of male foreleg broader than in female.
Native range. Palearctic: Eurasia, North Africa, northern and western Asia (Bonnemaison 1965, Löbl and Smetana 2010); adventive in Canada and the USA (Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in Canada. NF (Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in USA. NY (Riley et al. 2003).
First Canadian records. St. John’s, NF in 1950 (AAFC, CNC); Topsail, NF in 1951 (MacNay 1952: 227).
First North American records. As above. The specific locality and the date for the NY record is unknown.
Habitat and host data. This species is highly injurious to cultivated crucifers (Brassicaceae) in the Palearctic Region. It was reported to attack rape at Topsail, NF (MacNay 1952: 227). Adults feed on seed leaves of young plants and the larvae tunnel in stems of plants and midribs of leaves (MacNay 1954).
64. Psylliodes cucullatus (Illiger)
(Fig. 64, Map 54)
Diagnosis. Body length 2.0–3.0 mm, oval; dorsum metallic brass or copper, or brown-black with weak iridescence, fore and mid legs yellow to yellow-brown, hind femora brown to black, hind tibiae and tarsi yellow to yellow-brown, antennae with 10 antennomeres, antennomeres 1–4 yellow, more distal antennomeres gradually darker; frons punctate; pronotum only slightly wider than long with angulate anterior corners, sides regularly rounded, disc convex, without impressions, surface of disc with punctures separated by a distance approximately equal to the puncture diameter, interspaces glossy or in female with diffuse microreticulation; elytra base slightly wider than posterior of pronotum, elytra converging posterad, disc with regular strial rows of dense punctures, striae impressed on outer parts of elytra, interstriae glossy or in female with diffuse microreticulation, humeral callus not marked; hind wings reduced; hind femora strongly swollen, hind tibiae almost straight, with short apical spur, hind tarsus attached to tibia at two-thirds tibial length (i.e., apex of tibia extends beyond attachment), first tarsomere of male foreleg broader than in female.
Native range. Palearctic: Eurasia (Löbl and Smetana 2010); adventive in Canada and the USA (Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in Canada. NB, NS, ON?, QC (Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013). Although recorded from ON in various checklists (e.g., Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013), we have not seen specimens or verified locality records; thus, this jurisdictional record is questionable.
Distribution in USA. NH (Riley et al. 2003).
First Canadian records. Chatham, NB in 1928 (CNC); multiple locations in QC in 1954 (CNC).
First North American records. As above. The specific locality and the date for the NH record is unknown.
Habitat and host data. This species, including Palearctic populations, is apparently associated with Poaceae, and has been recorded from Agropyron cristatum (L.) P. Gaertn., Agropyron desertorum (F.E.L. Fischer ex Link) Schult., Eremopyrum cristatum (L.) Willk. & Lange, Festuca ovina L., and Poa pratensis (L.) (Clark et al. 2004).
65. Psylliodes napi (Fabricius)
(Fig. 65, Map 55)
Diagnosis. Body length 2.1–3.3 mm, oval; dorsum black with metallic blue reflections, legs yellow except for brown to black hind femora, antennae with 10 antennomeres, antennomeres 1–3 yellow, more distal antennomeres gradually darker; frons finely punctate; pronotum wider than long with angulate anterior corners, sides regularly rounded, elytral disc convex, without impressions, surface of disc with punctures separated by 1.0–1.5 puncture diameters, interspaces glossy or with diffuse microreticulation; elytra base wider than posterior of pronotum, disc with regular strial rows of punctures, interstriae glossy or with diffuse microreticulation, humeral callus weak; hind femora strongly swollen, hind tibiae almost straight, with short apical spur, hind tarsus attached to tibia at three-quarters tibial length (i.e., apex of tibia extends beyond attachment), first tarsomere of male foreleg broader than in female.
Native range. Palearctic: Europe (Löbl and Smetana 2010); adventive in Canada and the USA (Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in Canada. NB, NF, ON, PE, QC (Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in USA. CT, DE, IN, MA, MD, MI, NH, NY, OH, VA, WV (Riley et al. 2003; E. R. Hoebeke, unpublished data).
First Canadian records. Dresden, ON in 1966 (DEBU); Rustico, PE in 1967 (CNC); Carillon, QC in 1975 (CNC); Kouchibouguac National Park, NB in 1977 (CNC); St. John’s, NF in 1980 (CNC).
First North American records. Albany Co., NY in 1916 (CNC); Ithaca, NY in 1966 (Tahvanainen and Root 1970); Berkshire Co., MA in 1968 (Hoebeke and Wheeler 1983).
Habitat and host data. This species feeds on the cruciferous weed Barbarea vulgaris W.T. Aiton in NY (Tahvanainen and Root 1970). In Europe, it feeds on various wild crucifers, including species of Nasturtium, Alliaria, and Cardamine.
66. Psylliodes picinus (Marsham)
(Fig. 66, Map 56)
Diagnosis. Body length 2.2–2.8 mm, short-oval; dorsum red-brown to brown, without metallic colour or only in the darkest form with very subtle brass reflection, legs orange to red-brown, hind femora not or somewhat darker than tibiae, antennomeres 1–5 yellow, more distal antennomeres gradually darker; frons impunctate; pronotum wider than long with angulate anterior corners, sides regularly rounded, disc convex, without impressions, surface of disc with punctures separated by 1.0–1.5 times puncture diameter, interspaces glossy; elytra base wider than posterior of pronotum, disc with regular strial rows of fine to moderate and dense punctures, striae impressed on basal two-thirds, interspaces glossy; humeral callus weak; legs with hind femora strongly swollen, hind tibiae short and strongly curved, with short apical spur, hind tarsus attached to tibia at two-thirds tibial length (i.e., apex of tibia extends beyond attachment), first tarsomere of male foreleg broader than in female.
Native range. Palearctic: Europe (Löbl and Smetana 2010); adventive in Canada and the USA (Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in Canada. NB, NS, ON, QC (Riley et al. 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013, Webster et al. 2016).
Distribution in USA. CT, NH, PA, WV (Riley et al. 2003).
First Canadian records. Elora and Guelph, ON in 1976 (DEBU); Iberville, QC in 1997 (CNC), although LeSage (1991) had already reported it from QC but did not give specific locality records; Caribou, Pictou Co., NS in 2002 (CNC).
First North American records. As above. The earliest USA record is from Bradford Co., near Ulster, PA in 1978 (Hoebeke 1979).
Habitat and host data. This species is known to feed on the thistle, Cirsium palustre (L.) Scop., garden loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris L.), and purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria L.) (Hoebeke 1979).
67. Sphaeroderma testaceum (Fabricius)
(Fig. 67, Map 57)
Diagnosis. Body length 2.8–4.0 mm, almost spherical; whole body red-brown, including legs and antennae; frons finely punctate; pronotum wider than long, convex, with obtuse anterior corners, sides regularly rounded, disc without impressions, surface of disc finely punctate with punctures separated by 0.7–1.5 times puncture diameter, interspaces glossy; elytra base wider than posterior of pronotum, disc with fine and sparse, irregular punctation (not arranged into striae) but some punctures tend to form somewhat regular rows, interspaces glossy, humeral callus weak; legs with hind femora swollen, hind tibiae straight to weakly curved, with short apical spur, hind tarsus attached to tibia near apex, first tarsomere of male foreleg strongly enlarged, broader than in female.
Native range. Palearctic: Europe (Löbl and Smetana 2010); adventive in Canada (Hoebeke and Wheeler 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in Canada. NS, QC (Hoebeke and Wheeler 2003, Bousquet et al. 2013).
Distribution in USA. Not recorded.
First Canadian records. Shubenacadie, NS in 1997 (Majka and LeSage 2006); Quebec City, QC in 2005 (CNC).
First North American records. As above.
Habitat and host data. Adults feed on foliage of the composites Carduus nutans L., Carduus crispus L., Carduus personatus (L.) Jacq., Carduus defloratus L. and species of the genera Cirsium, Carlina, Onopordum, and Silybum (Batra et al. 1981). Larvae mine the leaves of their hosts, especially species of Carduus and Cirsium (Hoebeke and Wheeler 2003). To date, S. testaceum has only been found along major transportation corridors (highway and railway) in Canada (Majka and LeSage 2006).