Iris Flea Beetle - Aphthona nonstriata

At 2.5 to 3 mm this is the largest member of the genus and this large size coupled with the darkened anterior and intermediate femora (in UK specimens) is usually sufficient to identify the species.

Please provide a photograph and state the host species.

Habitats include anywhere the host, Iris pseudacorus (Yellow Iris), grows in abundance, usually in wetlands but also permanently damp soil in woodlands, parks, gardens etc..

Most likely to be seen from March or April, peaking in abundance from May to July and remaining common into the autumn.

Overwintered adults feed in the spring, consuming strips of epidermis parallel to the leaf margins and leaving conspicuous pale lines, before mating and ovipositing on the host foliage.

Common and often abundant throughout England and Wales, becoming scattered further north and scarce in Scotland although there are plenty of records from the west and Western Isles.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland.

https://www.ukbeetles.co.uk/aphthona-nonstriata