Overwintering and Spring Emergence of the Tobacco Flea Beetle1

Abstract

Field studies on hibernation of Epitrix hirtipennis (Melsheimer) in the tobacco field, and spring emergence as measured by the capture of beetles on potted Irish potato plants, were conducted during 1966-67. A substantial number of flea beetles emerged from soil samples collected in November, December, and March, but very few beetles emerged from samples collected in April. More flea beetles were taken on potted potato plants situatd 4.6 m from the wooded hibernation site than on potato plants 91.5 m from this site. Few tobacco flea beetles were collected on potato plants placed within the wooded hibernation area. Most of the beetles were captured on potato plants before May 10, and only a few were collected after May 20.