• Restricted distribution. Americas, Caribbean, Europe, Oceania. Present in Guam and Fiji.
• On eggplant and tomato, primarily, but also other members of nightshade family, including weeds.  
• Damage by larvae and adults chewing small, irregular holes in leaves giving a 'shot-hole' effect. Damage worse on seedlings, especially during droughts.
• Eggs laid at base of stems; larvae feed on roots. Adults brown with black markings, long antennae, and well developed hind legs for jumping. Spread on the wing. Survival on weeds and remains of plants in the field.
• Cultural control: monitor twice weekly; weed - especially those in nightshade family; do not plant new crops next to old; mulch; use protective covers; crop rotation (maize, brassicas, legumes); collect trash and burn after harvest.
• Chemical control: use biorational pesticides (i) PDPs - derris, chilli, pyrethrum, (ii) biopesticides - spinosad or abamectin, or (iii) synthetic pyrethroids or neonicotinoids, remembering they will kill natural enemies. 

Tobacco flea beetle

Epitrix hirtipennis