Fauna
Insect · GBIF taxon 1047302

Pigweed Flea Beetle

Disonycha glabrata

Also known as Striped Pigweed Flea Beetle

Pigweed flea beetles are striking leaf beetles recognizable by their bold black and cream longitudinal stripes and a bright orange pronotum. Both adults and larvae feed voraciously on amaranths, chewing characteristic small holes through the foliage. When startled, adults use powerful, enlarged hind legs to spring away in an instant.

InsectStripedHerbivore
Pigweed Flea Beetle reference1 / 7
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—observations
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—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Redroot pigweed leaves
  • Amaranth foliage
  • Amaranth pollen
Predators
  • Predatory stink bugs
  • Lady beetles
  • Birds
ThreatsBroad-spectrum pesticides and host plant removal
HabitatsAgricultural fields, gardens, roadsides, and disturbed soil
Life span1–3 months
Classification
  1. OrderColeoptera
  2. FamilyChrysomelidae
  3. GenusDisonycha
  4. SpeciesDisonycha glabrata
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Scan Pigweed Leaves: Look for bold black-and-yellow stripes on the upper surface of amaranth foliage.
  • Approach Gently: Move slowly to avoid triggering their jump reaction when taking photos.
  • Check Leaf Undersides: Inspect under leaves to discover yellow egg clusters or small larvae.
Related species
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