Squash Bug

Natural Habitat

They are predominantly found in gardens, farms, and agricultural settings where cucurbit crops are grown. They thrive in warmer climates and are common pests in North America.

Diet & Feeding

Squash bugs are herbivorous, feeding on the sap of cucurbit plants, which include squash, pumpkins, zucchini, cucumbers, and melons. They use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract plant juices.

Behavior Patterns

Squash bugs can often be found on the undersides of leaves or congregating near the base of the plant. They tend to overwinter as adults in plant debris or sheltered areas and emerge in spring to lay eggs on host plants. Nymphs and adults feed on plant sap. They are known for rapid population increases if left unchecked. When disturbed, they may emit an unpleasant odor.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Squash bugs are significant agricultural pests. Their feeding causes wilting, yellowing, and eventually death of the plant leaves and sometimes the entire plant, a condition often referred to as 'anasa wilt.' They can reduce crop yields and quality. Benefits: From a human perspective, there are no direct benefits; they are primarily considered pests in agricultural contexts. In the broader ecosystem, they are part of the food chain, but their negative impact on cultivated plants outweighs any minor ecological benefit in agricultural settings.

Identified on: 8/10/2025