Potato Beetle
Leptinotarsa decemlineata
Basic Details
Description
Taxonomy
Features
Translations
Basic Details
NamePotato Beetle
DescriptionColorado potato beetles are destructive pests that can quickly defoliate potato crops. Learn to identify all stages and use organic methods to stop them.
TypeInsect
FamilyChrysomelidae
GenusLeptinotarsa
TribeChrysomelini
Taxonomy & Features
PhylumArthropoda
SubphylumHexapoda
ClassInsecta
OrderColeoptera
SubfamilyChrysomelinae
Features
- Known as the 'ten-striped spearman' due to the 10 distinct black stripes on its yellow-orange wing covers. Famous for its ability to rapidly develop resistance to pesticides
- Adults are oval, orange-yellow beetles with 10 black stripes. Larvae are plump, red to light-orange with two rows of black spots along their sides
- Adults and larvae feed extensively on the foliage of potatoes and other nightshade plants. Can completely defoliate a plant if left unchecked
- Damage appears as large holes in leaves, often leaving only the midrib and stems. Can kill young plants and significantly reduce tuber yields
- Adults overwinter in the soil. Lay clusters of bright yellow-orange eggs on the underside of leaves. Larvae hatch and feed for several weeks before pupating in soil
- Adults are about 10 mm (3/8 inch) long. Larvae can grow up to 13 mm
- Most active in warm weather. Can produce 2-3 generations per season in warmer climates
- Primary host is potato, but also attacks eggplants, tomatoes, and peppers
- Crop rotation and removing alternative host weeds (like nightshade) are critical. Use row covers for small patches
- Handpicking is very effective for small gardens. Use Bacillus thuringiensis tenebrionis (Bt) for young larvae. Neem oil can also be used
Names in Different Languages
Latin / ScientificLeptinotarsa decemlineata
English (Alternate)Potato bug, Ten-lined potato beetle
Hindiಕೊಲೊರಾಡೋ ಆಲೂ ಭೃಂಗ (Colorado aaloo bhringa)
Tamilಉರುಳೈಕ್ಕಿಳಂಗು ವಂಡು (Urulaikkilangu vandu)
Teluguಬಂಗಾಳದುಂಪ ಪುರುಗು (Bangaladumpa purugu)
Malayalamಉರುಳಕ್ಕಿಳಂಗು ವಂಡು (Urulakkizhangu vandu)
Kannadaಆಲೂಗಡ್ಡೆ ಜೀರುಂಡೆ (Aaloogadde jeerunde)
Sanskritಆಲುಕ-ಭೃಂಗ (Aaluka-bhringa)
Bengaliಆಲೂ ಭಕ್ಷಕ್ ಗುಬ್ರೆ ಪೋಕ (Aloo bhokkhok gubrey poka)
Frenchdoryphore
Russianಕೊಲೊರಾಡ್ಸ್ಕಿ ಜುಕ್ (koloradskiy zhuk)
Spanishescarabajo de la patata
GermanKartoffelkäfer
