Colorado Potato Beetle

Colorado Potato Beetle

An attractive small (1/3") yellowish beetle with 10 black stripes along its body, it isn't confined to Colorado, but can be found throughout the country. Most places have 2 generations in a year, though some warmer areas might have 3.

This is the biggest pest of commercial potato growers. Both the larvae and adults eat the leaves of potato, tomato, eggplant and peppers (and occasionally other crops). Their depredations may kill small plants and reduce yields from larger ones. 

Control

There are several control options for Colorado Potato Beetle. You can use row covers, you can knock the beetles into soapy water, or you could use various botanical insecticides. You should encourage predators by planting nectar and pollen producing plants nearby.

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