| Scientific name | Leptinotarsa decemlineata |
|---|---|
| Group | Beetles |
| Size | 9–11 mm (up to about 0.43 in) |
| Colors | Yellow, Orange and Black |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | Yes |
| Where found | Garden or plants |
| Most active | Spring and Summer |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Nuisance |
How to identify it
The Colorado potato beetle is a small member of the beetles group. Hard wing covers that meet in a straight line down the back. Check for these three features:
- Ten black lengthwise stripes on yellowish wing covers
- Orange head and thorax with black spots
- Clusters of bright orange eggs under leaves
About this bug
A rounded, yellow-orange beetle with ten black stripes on its wing covers. Adults and humpbacked red larvae strip the leaves of potatoes, eggplants and tomatoes.
You'll usually find Colorado potato beetles in gardens and on plants. They are most active in spring and summer.
Is it dangerous?
Colorado potato beetles are harmless to people but can defoliate a potato crop.
Our rating: Nuisance, meaning it is a nuisance pest but not a health threat to most people.
When you'll see Colorado potato beetles
Colorado Potato Beetles are most active in spring and summer. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly.
Typical places to check: garden or plants.
About beetles
The Colorado potato beetle is one of the beetles. Beetles go through complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (grub), pupa and adult. The larval stage often does the most feeding and damage, and it can last from a few weeks to several years depending on the species. Adults protect their flight wings under hard wing covers called elytra, which is why most beetles look armored and meet in a neat line down the back.
Look closely at larvae as well as adults. Grubs in soil, fuzzy larvae in closets and small worms in flour are all beetle larvae, and finding them tells you where the problem is centered.
What to do about it
- Hand-pick adults and larvae and crush orange egg clusters
- Use straw mulch and row covers early in the season
- Rotate potato and eggplant beds away from last year's site
Read the full guide: how to get rid of Colorado potato beetles.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Colorado potato beetle look like?
Ten black lengthwise stripes on yellowish wing covers. Adults measure 9–11 mm (up to about 0.43 in).
Does the Colorado potato beetle bite or sting?
It does not bite. It does not sting. Colorado potato beetles are harmless to people but can defoliate a potato crop.
Where do Colorado potato beetles live?
Colorado Potato Beetles live in gardens and on plants.
When are Colorado potato beetles most active?
Mostly in spring and summer.