An as-yet-unidentified species of flea beetle, Altica sp., has been found feeding on the leaves and shoots of newly planted grapevines in the south Okanagan over the past several years.
Specimens sent to the Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes, housed at the Ottawa Research and Development Centre, verified that it is not the grape flea beetle (Altica chalybea) native to eastern North America. Larvae of that species develop on grape leaves, while the larval host for this new pest of grapes in B.C. is not yet known.
This new, presumably invasive, pest is becoming more common and widespread, and it would be helpful to learn more about its biology, in particular its larval development.
Similar in appearance to the crucifer flea beetle (Phyllotreta cruciferae), adults are small (approx. 2 mm), shiny, metallic-looking beetles with an overall dark blue-black colour. The hind legs of these active insects are enlarged for jumping.
Damage has been sufficiently high in some vineyards to warrant control. Interestingly, feeding is largely restricted to new vines during the year of planting.
There are no insecticides registered for control of this species. However, sprays applied for the control of leafhoppers should also provide control of this pest.
