open weekdays 8am - 5pm
visitors welcome by appointment
information for visitors
phone: (505) 277-1360
fax: (505) 277-1351
museum administrator
mailing:
Division of Arthropods
Museum of Southwestern Biology
1 University of New Mexico
MSC03-2020
Albuquerque, NM 87131
shipping:
Division of Arthropods
Museum of Southwestern Biology
302 Yale Blvd NE
CERIA 83, Room 204
Albuquerque, NM 87131
shipping contact: 505-277-1360
Photo by D.C. Lightfoot
Hexapoda, Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Phyllotreta sp.
Description: Small oval metallic blue beetle with enlarged hind legs for jumping. Females and males look similar. Many similar looking species of flea leaf-beetles in New Mexico.
Geographic Distribution: Throughout New Mexico. Native.
Habitats: Yards, gardens and open areas with herbaceous plants and flowers. Adults and larvae live and feed on the leaves and of many herbaceous plants, especially those in the mustard family (Brassicacea).
Biology: Adults occur throughout the summer, larvae are present on plant leaves during the summer.
Health/pest Status: Not common on garden plants, generally on native herbaceous plants and weeds.