[4] This study even applied the knowledge gained from the flea beetles to create a preliminary design for a bionic leg that can jump.

Adult flea beetles feed externally on plants, eating the surface of the leaves, stems and petals.

The German name Erdflöhe (literally "earth fleas") refers to their jumping ability and this behavior of hiding in the soil.

Many major agricultural crops are attacked by flea beetles, including various cruciferous plants such as mustard and rapeseed (particularly canola in northwestern North America).

Numerous garden plants are also subject to flea beetle feeding, such as flowers of Gardenia and Rothmannia by Altica species.

Flea beetles execute their most severe attacks during dry weather and are most active on sunny days.

[7] A number of natural predators can be employed to keep flea beetles in check, including two that parasitize it: braconid wasps and tachinid flies.