Colorado Potato Beetle

Description

The Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), part of the genus Leptinotarsa or leaf beetles, can be distinguished by their yellow-orange and black striped shell, and spotted head. The name Colorado Potato Beetle, sometimes referred to as the "potato bug", is due to them being severe pests of the potato plant, but can also damage others crops such as tomato, and pepper. Their red bodied larvae, typically with two rows of black spots on their side, also feed on crops in large groups, which can often be more particularly damaging than the adult beetles [1]. Despite the name, they were originally discovered in central Mexico, but soon appeared in most areas of the United States excluding Alaska, California, Hawaii, and Nevada, and also in southern Canada, parts of Asia, and Europe.

Habitat

Generally, the Colorado Potato Beetle prefers warmer climates, and reveal themselves between the months of April to September in the United States [2]. Adult potato bugs will hibernate over the winter, digging themselves about a foot into the ground. In the spring, they will emerge to feed and begin to mate and lay eggs on their host plants [2]. While the beetle can live in a variety of climates, eggs will take between four to ten days to hatch depending on the temperature. A lower temperature will cause a longer egg stage, while a hotter temperature will make the process move along quicker. The climate will also affect the amount of potato bugs present throughout the year, as warmer climates can support about two generations per season, so about eight generations per year, while cooler areas may result in less than two generations per season [2].