
Community identification
Cucumber Beetle Larva
Diabrotica undecimpunctata (likely)
- Order & Family
- Order Coleoptera, Family Chrysomelidae
- Size
- Approximately 2 to 13 mm in length depending on maturity.
Natural Habitat
Agricultural fields, vegetable gardens, and soil near host plants.
Diet & Feeding
Roots and stems of various plants, including corn, cucumbers, melons, and squash.
Behavior Patterns
They hatch from eggs in the soil, feed on roots for several weeks, and then pupate underground before emerging as winged beetles.
Risks & Benefits
Significant agricultural pest; they damage crops through root consumption and are known to transmit bacterial wilt and other plant diseases.