Gold Plated!

Flea beetles are amazing looking tiny little beetles, measuring just a few millimeters long. Frequently unnoticed because of their small size, most species are dark colored, and many have a metallic shine, like this ‘gold plated’ one contentedly resting on a sorrel leaf. He almost looks as though he’s armour-plated. Flea beetles are so named for their ability to jump when disturbed. They have large hind legs that give them a surprising vertical leap. Although they are tiny and take tiny bites, collectively they can do a lot of damage to garden plants.