Golden flea beetle

Systematic position. The golden flea beetle (lat. Chalcoides aurata) belongs to the order Coleoptera and the family Chrysomelidae. This small beetle is named for the distinctive metallic luster of its elytra, which ranges from golden-green to a copper-like sheen.

Affected crops. The main food sources for this pest are members of the Salicaceae family, particularly various species of willows and poplars. In gardens and nurseries, the beetle can damage ornamental plants and occasionally migrates to fruit crops if these are adjacent to areas with heavy willow infestation.

Biology and life cycle. The insect's life cycle is closely tied to its host plants. Adults overwinter in the soil or under leaf litter. In the spring, after the arrival of warmer weather, they emerge from diapause and begin active feeding. Females lay eggs on leaves or in the soil, followed by the hatching of larvae, which go through several developmental stages before pupating.

Damage and economic impact. Adult beetles feed by creating numerous small holes in leaves, resulting in a characteristic "shot-hole" pattern. With high pest density, damaged leaves quickly turn yellow, wither, and drop prematurely. This significantly weakens the tree, slowing its growth and reducing its overall resilience to other pathogens.

Protection measures. To manage the population of the golden flea beetle, a comprehensive approach is required:

• Cleaning the area of plant debris in the autumn to eliminate overwintering sites.
• Application of systemic or contact insecticides during peak feeding periods.
• Regular monitoring of plant health throughout the spring and summer.
• Encouraging natural predators, such as beneficial insects and insectivorous birds.