Squash Vine Borer
Melittia cucurbitae
Basic Details
Description
Taxonomy
Features
Translations
Basic Details
NameSquash Vine Borer
DescriptionSquash vine borers are caterpillars that tunnel into stems, causing sudden plant wilting. Learn how to prevent and treat infestations for a healthy harvest.
TypeInsect
FamilySesiidae
GenusMelittia
TribeMelittiini
Taxonomy & Features
PhylumArthropoda
SubphylumHexapoda
ClassInsecta
OrderLepidoptera
SubfamilySesiinae
Features
- Named 'vine borer' because larvae bore into and tunnel through the vines (stems) of squash plants. Adults are clearwing moths that mimic wasps
- Adults are day-flying moths with metallic green front wings, clear hind wings, and orange-red abdomen with black rings. Larvae are white, wrinkled caterpillars with brown heads
- Larvae bore into stems near the base and tunnel upward, feeding on inner stem tissue. Block water and nutrient flow, causing sudden wilting
- Vines wilt suddenly, especially in midday heat. Sawdust-like frass (droppings) appears at entry holes near stem base. Plants may die if stem is girdled
- Adults emerge in early summer and lay eggs singly on stems. Larvae bore in for 4-6 weeks before pupating in soil. One generation per year in most areas
- Adult moths have 25-38 mm (1-1.5 inch) wingspan. Larvae grow to 25 mm (1 inch) long
- Most active in warm summer months. Adults fly during daytime. Prefer hot, sunny weather
- Attack squash, zucchini, pumpkins, gourds, cucumbers, and melons. Prefer winter squash and pumpkins over cucumbers
- Prevent by wrapping stem bases with foil, using row covers until flowering, planting resistant varieties, rotating crops, and destroying crop residue in fall. Plant early
- Inject Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) into stems. Slit stems to remove larvae and mound soil over damaged areas. Treat with spinosad or pyrethrin when adults are active
Names in Different Languages
Latin / ScientificMelittia cucurbitae
English (Alternate)Squash bugs, Anasa tristis, Melittia satyriniformis
Hindiकद्दू बेल छेदक (Kaddoo bel chhedak)
Tamilசுரைக்காய் கரும்புழு (Suraikkāy karumpuḻu)
Teluguಗುಮ್ಮಡಿ ತೀಗ ಪುರುಗು (Gummadi Teega Purugu)
Malayalamಮತ್ತನ್ ವಳ್ಳിച്ചೆಡಿಯೆ ಪುಳು (Mathan vallichetiye puzhu)
Kannadaಕುಂಬಳಕಾಯಿ ಬಳ್ಳಿಯ ಕೊರಡು ಹುಳು (Kumbalakaayi balliya koradu huḷu)
Sanskritಕುಷ್ಮಾಂಡ-ರಂಧ್ರಕಃ (Kuṣmāṇḍa-randhrakah)
Bengaliಶಶ ಡೋರಿ ಕಿಟ್ (shashha dori kida), ಬೆಗುನ್ ಡೋರಿ ಕಿಟ್ (begun dori kida)
Frenchperceur de la courge, perceur de citrouille
Russianсквош (skvosh), огуречный кривохотник (ogurechnyy krivokhotnik), огуречная мотылька (ogurechnaya motylka)
Spanishbarrenador de la guía de la calabaza, barrenador del cuello de la raíz
GermanKürbisbohrer or Kürbisglasflügler
