Southern Corn Rootworm

Diabrotica undecimpunctata

Symptoms:
The larval form known of the spotted cucumber beetle is known as the southern corn rootworm. Both spotted and stiped cucumber beetles are common pests on most cucurbits. Small mobile insects with shiny backs, usually yellow-green with black spots or stripes. In addition to the plant damage caused by their feeding, the beetles carry viruses and bacterial wilt. Larvae eat roots of many plant species, and may bore into germinating seeds, resulting in severe crop losses.

See also the Extension Entomology Insect Answers.

Control:
Early season control is crucial since these insects vector bacterial diseases and viruses. Consult the COMMERCIAL or HOME GARDEN version of the current guide for controlling insects on vegetables for labelled chemicals and rates.

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