#longitarsus

a flea beetle (Longitarsus sp.) on ragwort, making use of its host plant's big and sometimes curly leaves to hide in a cozy spot when taking a break from its favorite activities such as jumping around like crazy and eating. ironically if the leaf hadn't been curled up i wouldn't have been as compelled to take a look

a size comparison: a Longitarsus flea beetle and a human thumb (mine). these ragwort-loving beetles were a very common sight last winter, but since it's been months, i have no idea how this one ended up on my hand long enough to be photographed. their common name is not undeserved