Flax Flea Beetle, Large
Flax Flea Beetle, Large
(Aphthona euphorbiae), a beetle of the subfamily Halticinae; a serious pest of flax. The body measures 1.5-2 mm; the color is blackish green, at times with a bluish tint. The large flax flea beetle is found wherever flax is cultivated. The most serious damage is caused to flax seedlings; with serious infestation of the young crop, all the sprouts may be killed. The larvae damage the plant roots, causing weakened plants and growth retardation which is reflected not only in the seed yield but in the quality of the fiber. Infested roots provide a favorable environment for causative agents of fungus diseases, such as Fusarium. Countermeasures include treating plantings with insecticides; a promising biological control method is the use of the bug Licrona coerulla.