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Cottonwood Leaf Beetle - Chrysomelidae
scripta   Lacy L. Hyche, Auburn University, www.ipmimages.org  HOSTS: Cottonwood, willow and occasionally
other Populus species (aspen,
poplar). DESCRIPTION:
The
cottonwood leaf beetle is a light tan, oval beetle marked with black
spots and is about 3/8 inch long. The larvae are black, worm-like grubs
with whitish spotting as they age. LIFE
CYCLE: The
cottonwood leaf beetle overwinters as an adult in protected locations
near cottonwood and willow trees. As leaves emerge, adults move back to
the trees, feed on the tender twigs, and skeletonize the new leaves.
After a few weeks, females lay eggs in clusters of a dozen or more on
the undersides of leaves. Young larvae feed and skeletonize the leaf.
They pupate attached to the leaf in early summer and produce a second
generation. CONTROLS:
Usually not
necessary.Biological: If >50% of leaves are infested, spray Bt-San Diego or Bt-tenebrionis. See Bacillus thuringiensis. |
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