Sap Beetles
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Sap beetles (Glischrochilus quadrisignatus, Carpophilus lugubris), also known as picnic beetles, are primarily scavenging insects that feed on overripe or damaged fruits and vegetables and other decaying plant matter. Usually they are attracted to ear tips damaged as a result of corn earworm or Japanese beetle feeding. However, the beetles may enter undamaged ears anytime from early silk to maturity. Sap beetles are about 3/16 to 1/4 inch long and brown to black. The wing covers may have orange markings. Light-colored larvae may be found in some ear tips along with adults.
The picnic beetle
(Photo: UK Vegetable IPM Team, University of Kentucky)
Sap beetle
(Photo: UK Vegetable IPM Team, University of Kentucky)
Sap beetle larvae
(Photo: UK Vegetable IPM Team, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Control other insect pests that attack the ear, such as corn earworm and Japanese beetle.
- Select varieties with long husks and good tip coverage.
- Plow or disk early plantings as soon as harvest is complete.
