Three-Lined Potato Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Found in gardens and agricultural fields where host plants in the Solanaceae family (like potatoes and tomatillos) are grown

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed voraciously on the foliage of plants in the nightshade family, particularly tomatillos, groundcherries, and potatoes

Behavior Patterns

Larvae exhibit a unique protective behavior known as a fecal shield, where they carry their own excrement on their backs to deter predators

Risks & Benefits

Known as a significant garden pest that can cause extensive defoliation to crops; they pose no direct risk to humans but can reduce plant yield

Identified on: 6/13/2026