Like other flea beetles, it has powerful saltatorial hind legs specialized for jumping.

Like all beetles, this insect is holometabolous The larvae are off white in color, 5-10mm in length, have a sclerotized head capsule and a short posterior protrusion.

It creates "extensive perforations" in the leaves while feeding on common ironweed, Vernonia fasciculata.

Currently, researchers are looking to better understand its phenology and biology to come up with more sustainable pest management practices as opposed to the frequent spraying of pesticides.

[5] Some of the nursey plants that is feeds on include: cranberry, Hydrangea paniculata, Itlex glabra, Rosa, Rhododenron, Osmanthus fragrans, Salvia, Cornus., Sedum, Viburnum, Loropetalum chinense, Forsythia, Lagerstroemia, Buddleija, Abelia, Gardenia, Guara, Illicium, Pyracantha, and Myrica cerifera.