Spotted Cucumber Beetle
Diabrotica undecimpunctata
This record describes Diabrotica undecimpunctata (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Subspecies, per : In D. u. undecimpunctata , the abdomen is greenish-yellow, elytra with 11 spots; in D. u. howardi , it is yellow to yellowish-red with 12 large black spots. The head, antennae and legs are all-black ( howardi ) or with some greenish-yellow ( undecimpunctata ). Major pest of many crops including cucumbers and other squashes, corn, soy. Beetles transmit diseases, e.g. bacterial wilt. Adults reported damaging garden plants. Larvae can cause severe damage to small plants, but less damage to large ones.
Wikipedia reference for Diabrotica undecimpunctata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spotted_cucumber_beetle.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Luperini
- Genus
- Diabrotica (Cucumber Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
D. undecimpunctata howardi - southern/eastern D. undecimpunctata undecimpunctata OR‒CA‒AZ to CO
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on roots and tunnel through stems of a wide range of plants, including crops
Life History
Overwinters as an adult in southern states. Eggs are laid at soil surface or below at the base of food plants. Larvae hatch in 7 - 10 days and feed for three to six weeks. The larvae pupate at the base of host plants and emerge as adults in 1‒2 weeks.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Diabrotica undecimpunctata Mannerheim 1843
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Diabrotica undecimpunctata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Spotted Cucumber Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Troy Bartlett; Additional contributions by cotinis , Hannah Nendick-Mason , Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , Ted Kropiewnicki , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Spotted Cucumber Beetle
What is Spotted Cucumber Beetle?
Spotted Cucumber Beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Spotted Cucumber Beetle?
5‒9 mm
How do you identify Spotted Cucumber Beetle?
Subspecies, per : In D. u. undecimpunctata , the abdomen is greenish-yellow, elytra with 11 spots; in D. u. howardi , it is yellow to yellowish-red with 12 large black spots. The head, antennae and legs are all-black ( howardi ) or with some greenish-yellow ( undecimpunctata ).
Where is Spotted Cucumber Beetle found?
Range: D. undecimpunctata howardi - southern/eastern D. undecimpunctata undecimpunctata OR‒CA‒AZ to CO
What does Spotted Cucumber Beetle eat?
The diet of the Spotted Cucumber Beetle includes Larvae feed on roots and tunnel through stems of a wide range of plants, including crops.
What is the life cycle of a Spotted Cucumber Beetle?
Overwinters as an adult in southern states. Eggs are laid at soil surface or below at the base of food plants. Larvae hatch in 7 - 10 days and feed for three to six weeks. The larvae pupate at the base of host plants and emerge as adults in 1‒2 weeks.