Banded Cucumber Bettle – Diabrotica balteata

Banded Cucumber Bettle   Scientific Name: Diabrotica balteata Common Name: Banded cucumber beetle Appearance: Banded cucumber beetle is a beautiful yellowish-green beetle known for its distinctive pattern. It has a redhead and limbs with a body covered with yellow stripes. The banding may differ depending upon the area of origin. Its larva is almost cream-colored and almost 2 mm long, turning yellow as it matures. Host Plants or Food: These beetles are herbivorous, feeding actively on vegetable plants such as cucumbers, pumpkin, beans, tomatoes, and potatoes. Territory: Throughout North America, Arizona, California, Texas, and Florida Mode of Damage: Banded cucumber beetle damages the plant as Root, tuber, and bulb feeders as well as leaf chewers and fruit feeders. The larva feeds on the roots and tubers while adult beetles attack the foliage. Habits and Life History: Banded cucumber beetle is found in tropical areas with temperate environments. Female beetles lay eggs in clusters anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks, producing a total of 850 eggs. The eggs are laid in the soil, giving rise to the larva, which matures in three stages in almost 17 days. It pupates in the soil and stays in this state for 4 to 6 days. On average, adult beetles live for almost 26 days. They produce 6 to 7 generations annually and are most active from May to July.