Flea beetles are typically small, agile insects, best known for their enlarged hind legs that let them leap like fleas when disturbed. This particular flea beetle, from the genus Asphaera, was tiny\u2014less than 1 cm in length. It is a diurnal herbivore that feeds mainly on foliage and occasionally on flowers. Although generally harmless in natural ecosystems, large populations can sometimes become pests in gardens or agricultural settings. I came across several brightly coloured specimens of this genus during my travels in Ecuador. This flea beetle was possibly the first one I encountered during my photography trips to Ecuadorian rainforests, both photos were taken on different occasions. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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