Mexican Bean Beetle
Epilachna varivestis
This record describes Epilachna varivestis (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures A little larger than typical ladybugs. Each elytron has 8 spots; pronotum immaculate (spotless) - noted here . Orange to copper colored. and (U. Ga website). A project to control these beetles in the eastern U.S. was attempted in the 1920s using a natural parasitic wasp predator from Mexico, but the wasp used did not survive in temperate climates.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Epilachninae
- Genus
- Epilachna
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US; c. Rockies to C. Amer. - Map Originally Mexico and sw US, but since 1920 has spread into the e. US . Also present in Ontario, Canada. (U. Guelph website)
Seasonal Activity
mostly Jun-Oct. (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Beans, soybeans, cowpeas, clover, alfalfa, kudzu, and beggartick/beggarweed. and (U. Ga. website) Adults and larvae feed on surface of leaves. Eaten leaves take on lacy appearance. and (U. Ga. website)
Life History
Eggs develop into adults in approximately 1 month, with 1-4 generations per year depending on climate. Adults overwinter in plant debris or protected location and emerge when temperature reaches 50 degrees F. Adults live approx. 6 weeks. Females lay hundres of yellow-orange, elliptical eggs which hatch in about a week. Larvae feed 2-4 weeks, pupation is 5-10 days. (U. Ga website) Egg laying. Eggs. Larva. Older larva. Pupa. Adults
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Epilachna varivestis Mulsant 1850 varivestis - from Latin varius- "diverse" + vestis- "clothing, attire"
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Epilachna varivestis. 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 Mexican Bean Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Boone; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Robin McLeod , Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , Tim Moyer , Ted Kropiewnicki , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Bean Beetle
What is Mexican Bean Beetle?
Mexican Bean Beetle (Epilachna varivestis) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mexican Bean Beetle?
6-10mm Adults: 6-8.5mm, larvae a maximum of 9mm (U. Ga website)
How do you identify Mexican Bean Beetle?
Gordon's figures A little larger than typical ladybugs. Each elytron has 8 spots; pronotum immaculate (spotless) - noted here . Orange to copper colored. and (U. Ga website).
Where is Mexican Bean Beetle found?
Range: e. US; c. Rockies to C. Amer. - Map Originally Mexico and sw US, but since 1920 has spread into the e. US . Also present in Ontario, Canada. (U. Guelph website)
What does Mexican Bean Beetle eat?
The diet of the Mexican Bean Beetle includes Beans, soybeans, cowpeas, clover, alfalfa, kudzu, and beggartick/beggarweed. and (U. Ga. website) Adults and larvae feed on surface of leaves. Eaten leaves take on lacy appearance. and (U. Ga. website).
When is Mexican Bean Beetle active?
Mexican Bean Beetle: seasonal activity - mostly Jun-Oct. (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Mexican Bean Beetle?
Eggs develop into adults in approximately 1 month, with 1-4 generations per year depending on climate. Adults overwinter in plant debris or protected location and emerge when temperature reaches 50 degrees F. Adults live approx. 6 weeks. Females lay hundres of yellow-orange, elliptical eggs which hatch in about a week. Larvae feed 2-4 weeks, pupation is 5-10 days. (U. Ga website) Egg laying. Eggs. Larva. Older larva. Pupa. Adults