Colorado potato beetle

From WikiMD.com Medical Encyclopedia

Colorado Potato Beetle[edit | edit source]

Colorado potato beetle on a leaf

The Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) is a major pest of potato crops. It is a member of the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as leaf beetles. This beetle is native to North America but has spread to many other parts of the world, becoming a significant agricultural pest.

Description[edit | edit source]

The adult Colorado potato beetle is approximately 10 mm long, with a rounded, convex shape. Its most distinctive feature is its bright yellow-orange body with ten characteristic black stripes on its elytra (wing covers). The beetle's head and thorax are also marked with black spots.

Life Cycle[edit | edit source]

Eggs of the Colorado potato beetle

The life cycle of the Colorado potato beetle consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Females lay clusters of bright orange eggs on the undersides of leaves. These eggs hatch into larvae, which are reddish with black spots and feed voraciously on potato foliage. After several molts, the larvae drop to the soil to pupate. Adult beetles emerge from the soil to continue the cycle.

Distribution and Spread[edit | edit source]

Spread of the Colorado potato beetle in North America

Originally found in the Rocky Mountains, the Colorado potato beetle has expanded its range significantly. It spread eastward across North America and was first reported in Europe in the 19th century. The beetle's ability to adapt to different climates and its resistance to pesticides have facilitated its spread.

Expansion of the Colorado potato beetle in Europe

Host Plants[edit | edit source]

The primary host plant of the Colorado potato beetle is the potato (Solanum tuberosum), but it can also feed on other members of the Solanaceae family, such as tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers. The beetle's feeding can cause significant damage to crops, leading to reduced yields.

Control Methods[edit | edit source]

Controlling the Colorado potato beetle is challenging due to its rapid reproduction and ability to develop resistance to chemical pesticides. Integrated pest management strategies are often employed, including crop rotation, use of resistant potato varieties, and biological control agents such as predatory insects and pathogens.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD