Flea Beetle

Description:

Chrysomelidae; Galerucinae; Alticini gen sp. This Flea Beetle is very small. I didn't manage to measure it, but the venation of the Tropical Whiteweed leaf gives a pretty good idea of the scale. Some of the identifying characteristics (enlarged hindleg femora, 11 segments in the antennae, very shiny dorsal surfaces, metallic gold legs and black eyes) came from various sources, such as Wiki's articles on Galeruciae and Alticini, but there is a wealth of information in "thaptor's Nature Journal | Project Noah". It takes some time to scroll through 550 species suggestions, but that is how I came upon what I think is the best scientific name which can be applied to the beetle in my photos. I don't think that an unequivocal species name is possible (in this case) based on photos alone, but if anyone can suggest a well supported species name, I am "all ears".

Habitat:

This Flea Beetle was spotted in the farm on a leaf of Tropical Whiteweed (Ageratum conyzoides Linn.) known in the Philippines by various names in many dialects. In our local dialect, this plant is called Salunay. Plant information - http://stuartxchange.com/Bulak.html....

Notes:

I feel that I should explain why Tropical Whiteweed is featured in most of my recent spottings. This dry season has been rather severe and most of the grasses and shrubs have died, but Tropical Whiteweed is very hardy and, so far, it is still producing foliage. So, it is providing some shelter and sustenance for herbivorous insects and their predators. The good news is that the rains should be arriving in the next few weeks.