Cucumber beetles

Cucumber beetles are pests of cucurbits throughout the U.S. Western species of cucumber beetles will also feed on leaves of other vegetables.

The various species of these 1/4 inch long beetles are yellowish green, with black spots or stripes. The slim, white larvae, about 1/2 inch long, are dark at both ends. Larvae feed on roots; adults-the more destructive stage-chew aboveground plant parts. Target: Roots of corn, other grasses, legumes (larvae); many vegetables, especially cucurbits, and flowers ... Read more

An online resource devoted to North American insects, spiders and their kin, offering identification, images, and information.

Striped Cucumber Beetle (Acalymma vittatum) transmits Bacterial Wilt (Erwinia tracheiphila) Life Cycle: Adults overwinter in leaf litter and soil, emerging in spring. Young cucurbit plants are especially susceptible to large numbers of adults feeding. This activity can reduce yields and sometimes kill seedlings. Adult females lay eggs near the base of the cucurbit plants. Larvae hatch from eggs to feed on plant roots, pupate, and emerge as adults after about 3 weeks. Emergence usually occurs…

An online resource devoted to North American insects, spiders and their kin, offering identification, images, and information.

These garden pests can kill or stunt your plants if you don't take care.

Image 5552243 is of banded cucumber beetle (Diabrotica balteata LeConte, 1865) adult(s). It is by Royal Tyler at Pro Pest and Lawn Store.

Delaying planting cucumbers is one way to outwit the cucumber beetle and the bacterial wilt it spreads.

One of the most problematic insect pests that organic vegetable growers have to deal with is the striped cucumber beetle. The insect feeds on all the cucurbit crops, but can[Read More...]

An online resource devoted to North American insects, spiders and their kin, offering identification, images, and information.