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This beetle has
filiform antennae with 11 antennomeres
(segments)
Description: The adult is
about 1/4-inch long, yellow-green with a black head
and antennae. There are twelve black spots on the
wing covers (elytra). The larva (rootworm) is cream
colored and about 3/4-inch long when fully
developed, with a brown head capsule and bearing
three pairs of short legs.
Life Cycle: Adult
beetles overwinter and become active in the spring,
feeding on a wide variety of host plants including
weeds and grasses. They lay eggs in the soil. Eggs
hatch in 5 to 11 days and young larvae crawl through
the soil and feed on roots of corn, sorghum or other
hosts. Larvae develop through three stages (instars)
in 10 to 16 days before pupating and then emerge as
adults after 5 to 12 days. Thus, the development
takes 20 to 39 days, depending on soil temperature.
Habitat and Food Source(s): Chewing adult beetles
and larvae (rootworms). Injury to corn and sorghum
occurs in the seedling (6 to 9 leaf) stage of plant
development. Larvae chew along roots, excavating
grooves and tunnels. Often, the larvae tunnel
directly into the base of the stalk, stunting plant
growth or killing entire plants, thereby reducing
plant stands and yield. Adult beetles feed on a wide
variety of plants including leaves and flowers of
vegetables (beans, cucurbits) and ornamentals. This
is one of the most common beetles found in the home
garden and flower beds. |
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