Squash Beetle on Cucurbit Crops
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Squash beetle (Epilachna borealis) is a coppery colored, leaf-feeding lady beetle similar to other lady beetles. This particular beetle, which is bigger than other lady beetles, has 12 black spots on its back and an orange thorax (the area just in front of the wings). It does not feed on other insects and can be a serious pest of squash and pumpkin. Squash beetle feeds on the underside of leaves and causes skeletonized, lace-like damage to the leaves. The larva is found on the underside of leaves and is yellow, with branched black spines covering the body. The pupa hangs from the leaf, is yellow in color, and lacks spines.
Squash beetle.
(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Apply foliar insecticides as necessary during the mid- and late season.
- While this insect is common in some areas of the state, economic levels on commercial cucurbit plantings are uncommon.
