Colorado Potato Beetle (Larva)

Natural Habitat

Gardens, agricultural fields, and areas where nightshade plants are found across North America and Europe.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; primarily feeds on the foliage of plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae), including potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae pass through four growth stages (instars) over 2-3 weeks, voraciously consuming foliage. They eventually drop to the soil to pupate and emerge as striped adult beetles.

Risks & Benefits

Major agricultural pest that can completely defoliate and destroy potato crops; they have high resistance to many chemical pesticides. They provide no significant benefits to the ecosystem.

Identified on: 6/24/2026