Lundy Cabbage Flea Beetle

The Lundy Cabbage Flea Beetle is approximately 3.5mm in length, and is often a faint metallic bronze colour, although this can vary. The adult beetles are capable of flight. This species is native to the UK.

• Size: Approximately 3.5mm in length
• Life span: Thought to have an annual lifecycle
• Diet: The beetle is associated with the endemic Lundy Cabbage plant, which also grows only on Lundy. The larvae mine the stems, roots and leaves of the cabbage, the adults feed predominantly on the leaves but have also been recorded feeding on Sea Rocket.
• Reproduction: Mating usually takes place on the Lundy Cabbage plants with eggs laid either on the plant, or in the spoil at the base of the plant.
• When to see: Best seen in the summer months.
• Population Trend: Unknown.
• Threats: The main threats to the beetle are from threats to its sole foodplant – Lundy Cabbage. This plant only grows on a 2.5km stretch of coast on the eastern side of the island. The plant is threatened from inappropriate land management, or lack of – grazing pressure limits the extent of the plant, as does the invasion of Rhododendron and dense grasses.
• Interesting Fact: Parts of Lundy have been designated by Buglife as an Important Invertebrate Area for the Lundy Cabbage Flea Beetle.

How you can help: 

Buglife is working to increase awareness of invertebrates and the Lundy Cabbage Flea Beetle through specific projects including our Important Invertebrate Areas and the Lundy Cabbage Flea Beetle Project, but we need your help!

Do remember that we rely on donations to continue our work.  If you have searched, found and learned about our incredible invertebrates on our website, please do consider Making a Donation, Becoming a Member or maybe even making a purchase in our shop.  For more ideas on how to support our work find out how to Get Involved.  Thank you 🕷

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