First Report of Chaetocnema minuta (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Associated with Turfgrass Damage in the Desert Southwest United States

Chaetocnema minuta Melsh., a Nearctic flea beetle, has been recently isolated from damaged perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. var. Palmer/Prelude) and hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L. Pers. × Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt Davy var. Midiron) in southern Utah and Nevada, respectively. Though previous surveys have found this insect associated with grasses, this short communication is the first report of economic damage to turfgrasses. Little is known about C. minuta seasonal phenology and host plant damage, and the distribution and understanding of the population dynamics in the Southwestern United States remain unstudied. Area turfgrass managers report the need for multiple insecticide applications throughout the growing season to maintain populations below turf damaging levels. This report serves to characterize turfgrass damage and document monitoring efforts to assist with future management programs.