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Asparagus Beetle and
Spotted Asparagus Beetle

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asparagus beetle larva, Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

Known by Asparagus beetle (Crioceris asparagi) and Spotted beetle (Crioceris duodecim punctata). In one year there can be 2-3 new generations of the bug. They both cause severe crop damage. The larvae eat at the stems and eat the leaves which keeps the plant from developing a good supply the next season.

Description

The common and spotted beetles are both oblong in shape and 1/4 inch long.

Other than those characteristics, they are very distinct.

The common beetle is often a multi-colored adult, with bluish-black wing covers with six rectangle-shaped yellow-colored markings and crimson edges.

In comparison, the spotted beetle is evenly orange with twelve black areas on the wing case.

Within both species, the larvae possess light-colored body frames and black head capsules.

Eggs in the two cases are oblong.

The spotted beetle has a tendency to lay their eggs around the ferns, though the common beetles oviposit upon stalks.

spotted asparagus beetle on a stem, Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

Symptoms

After asparagus shoots show up in the springtime, they might be bombarded by these beetles. The particular beetles try to eat shoots and leaves however are especially harmful once they munch the tips of buds, resulting in them to scar and change to brownish. The larvae harm plants similar to the adults but additionally discharge a black liquid that stains the plants.

Some natural controls:

  • Keep your healthy.
  • use plants that are adapted to your area.
  • use or lure beneficial insects to the area like lady beetles and freen lacewings.
  • another wasp called tetrastichus asparagi is a good friend.

    Other controls:

  • apply to plants a mixture of diatomaceous earth and all-purpose flour.
  • use plant oil products to spray on plants.
  • during harvesting cut the shoots just below ground level which will keep the eggs from developing.
  • with smaller gardens, collect the asparagus berries to keep the spotted asparagus bugs controlled.
  • again with smaller gardens, control larvae by knocking them off plants with a broom or similiar item.

    spotted asparagus beetle, Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

    From Asparagus Beetle to Organic Pest Remedies A-C