Species Diabrotica undecimpunctata - Spotted Cucumber Beetle

Southern Corn Rootworm (in the larval stage)

Crioceris sexpunctata Fabricius (for subspecies D. u. howardi)

Diabrotica duodecimpunctata Fabricius (for subspecies D. u. howardi)

Diabrotica soror LeConte

Diabrotica undecimpunctata Mannerheim 1843

adults 5-9 mm, larvae to 8 mm

Subspecies identification per(1): In D. u. undecimpunctata, the abdomen is greenish-yellow, elytra with 11 spots; in D. u. howardi, it is yellow to yellowish-red with 12 large black spots. The head, antennae and legs are entirely black (howardi) or with some greenish-yellow (undecimpunctata).

mostly e. NA, sw US, and w. coast / Mex. - Map (2)

D. undecimpunctata howardi - southern and eastern subspecies

D. undecimpunctata undecimpunctata - Western Spotted Cucumber Beetle, found only in Arizona, California, Colorado and Oregon.

mostly Apr-Oct (2)

Larvae feed on roots of a wide range of plants, including many field crops.

Overwinters as an adult in southern states. Eggs are laid at soil surface or below at the base of food plants. Larvae hatch in 7 - 10 days and feed for three to six weeks. The larvae pupate at the base of host plants and emerge as adults in 1-2 weeks.

major pest of many field crops including cucumbers and other squashes, corn, soy. Beetles also transmit crop diseases such as bacterial wilt. Adults also reported damaging to garden plants including hibiscus, roses.

causes agricultural damage by feeding on roots, seedlings, flowers and foliage, and transmitting disease. Adult feeding on cucurbit plants or transplants has been reported to result in wilting and reduced yield. Larvae feed on roots and tunnel through stems. The larvae can cause severe damage to small plants, but less damage to large plants with fully developed root systems. (3)

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