Biological agent type
Root/defoliating flea beetle.
Plant species attacked
leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula)
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Images by Eric Coombs, Oregon Department of Agriculture.
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If images are downloaded and used from the ODA web site please be sure to credit the photographer.
Site of attack
Leaves and roots.
Mode of attack
Adult feeding on foliage reduces the plant's photosynthetic production of sugars for the roots, while larval feeding on or in the root hairs and young roots reduces the plant's ability to take up moisture and nutrients.
Destructive stage
Adult and larval-internal.
Collection and release information
This bio-agent is limited to nursery sites at this time. Consult with ODA for availability for your area.
History in Oregon
Three flea beetles, Aphthona cyparissiae, Aphthona flava, and Aphthona nigriscutis were introduced in 1989. Aphona cyparissiae is well established, but has been slow to increase in numbers and spread.
Release status in Oregon
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