They feed externally by tying together the terminal shoots of the host plant with webbing and feeding on them.

The larvae that do not feed externally on plants are grub-like, without prolegs.

Later, they feed externally from a silken web containing trapped grains of sand.

As they grow they either emerge and feed externally, or proceed down the leaves to their bases or even into the bulbs.

The larvae of externally feeding species resemble small caterpillars.

When larger, they usually feed on the leaves externally.

Later instars feed on the leaves externally from within an oval shaped case.

Later instars feed externally on the leaves.

Adult flea beetles feed externally on plants, eating the surface of the leaves, stems and petals.

A. besseyi is an ectoparasitic nematode which means it feeds on the plant tissue externally.