Many species. Gray, black, or striped. Slender, 1/2 to 3/4 inch long.
Beet, chard, soybean, bean, corn, melon, peas, potato, radish, tomato and turnip.
Beetles eat leaves. (Larvae feed on grasshopper eggs and are therefore somewhat beneficial).
Throughout United States. Usually occur late in season. lnfestations localized.
Blister beetles have seven instars and overwinter as mature larvae in the soil. After pupation in the spring, adults begin to emerge in early summer and by midsummer reach their peak population. During summer months blister beetles feed on plant foliage or flowers and mate. Eggs are laid in the soil in groups of 50 to 300 eggs. Ten to 21 days later larvae emerge from these eggs and search for their preferred food--grasshopper or bee eggs. As larvae molt and grow their activity decreases. When they reach the fifth instar they move into the soil, molt again, and remain overwinter in the soil as sixth instars.
Hand-pick beetles. Wear gloves while picking; the beetles discharge a caustic fluid that may blister the skin.
None known of at this time.
Treat with a registered insecticide and repeat as needed.
Notice: Because pesticide labels can change rapidly, you should read the label directions carefully before buying and using any pesticides. Regardless of the information provided here, you should always follow the latest product label when using any pesticide. If you have any doubt, please contact your local Extension agent or pesticide dealer for the latest information on pesticide label changes.
Disclaimer: Commercial products named on this site are for informational purposes only. Virginia Cooperative Extension does not endorse these products and does not intend discrimination against other products which also may be suitable.
Prepared by Alexandra Spring and Eric Day (Modified from a publication by the USDA)