Corn flea beetle larvae
Description
- Adult: Very small shiny black beetles with enlarged hind legs. Are easily disturbed and able to jump long distances.
- Larvae: Small and white with a dark head and fairly inactive.
- Eggs: White, pointed at one end and tiny (less than 0.5 mm long).
Timing of damage: Early spring and fall when wheat is emerging or breaking winter dormancy
Type of damage: Leaves will have long pale streaks on the upper surface followed by a brown dried appearance.
Scouting: Check plant leaves for presence of beetles.
Economic threshold: Four to five beetles per plant, especially in seedlings.