Return to insects

Spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata) is a pest of many commercial vegetables and field crops, including legumes. Adults are yellow to green in color with twelve black spots on wing covers. Spotted cucumber beetles are sometimes mistaken for ladybugs. The beetle can defoliate vines as well as attack flowers and chew holes in pods. Fortunately, they rarely concentrate their attack on just one crop.

Spotted cucumber beetle, also known as the southern corn rootworm.

(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)

Management:

• Monitor for adults and keep defoliation below 20%. Watch for damage to flowers and pods, using insecticides as needed.

  Return to Insects