Mexican Bean Beetle

Mexican Bean Beetle

These are the bad cousins of the Ladybird Beetles and look somewhat similar. They feed on green, field and Lima beans and when present in sufficient numbers they can completely defoliate whole plants. They can be controlled by early planting, hand picking and by encouraging predators. If all else fails use pyrethrum or rotenone.

Image: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org