Introduced leaf beetles of the Maritime Provinces , 9 : Chaetocnema concinna ( Marsham , 1802 ) ( Coleoptera : Chrysomelidae )

The taxonomy, nomenclature, identification, introduction history, biology, and economic importance of Chaetocnema concinna (Marsham, 1802) are reviewed, and its status as pest or beneficial insect is discussed. While it is the most important pest of sugar beet in Europe, its economic importance has not yet been demonstrated in North America. Chaetocnema concinna is widely distributed in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island and presently known from only two localities in New Brunswick. On the basis of voucher specimens available, we determined that it was introduced in these provinces in the late 1980s. Since C. concinna is associated with many species of plants and can be either harmful or beneficial, we consider that “brassy flea beetle” is the most appropriate popular name available.