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The Asparagus Beetle
The asparagus beetle, as its name suggests, is a pest that affects
asparagus plants.
This beetle is also known as the common asparagus beetle
(Crioceris asparagi) and is sometimes mistaken for a closely related species of
beetles called the spotted asparagus beetle.
What Is The Asparagus Beetle
The Asparagus Beetle
Asparagus beetles can frequently be found within home gardens. These
plant-eating pests devour sections of the asparagus plant upon which they
feed.
Gardeners will most likely see the common asparagus beetle emerging
from underneath old asparagus plants or any other form of organic debris
during early spring. These insects will then begin feeding on the spears of
asparagus plants.
Frequented Areas of The Asparagus Beetle
The Asparagus Beetle
Asparagus beetles are common in many parts of the United States and
North America in general.
They are also known to affect gardens throughout the world where
asparagus is grown.
Frequented Areas of The Asparagus Beetle
The Asparagus Beetle
Once you’ve seen an asparagus beetle, you’ll be able to identify telltale
physical characteristics that distinguish this beetle from all other beetles.
The asparagus beetle has a body that is fairly oval in shape, measuring
about ¼ inch in length.
Its body is dark, almost bluish-black with six cream colored spots. These
spots are distributed in pairs, two in each row.
Identification – Physical Characteristics of Asparagus Beetles
The Asparagus Beetle
Their heads are also clearly visible, with a pair of antennae extending for a few
millimeters.
Most have a pattern of red surrounding the edges of their wing
covers.
Unlike adult asparagus beetles, their larvae look like worms with gray
bodies and black heads. The eggs of these insects are dark brown in color.
Identification – Physical Characteristics of Asparagus Beetles
The Asparagus Beetle
A special characteristic of this beetle relates to their love of
asparagus plants. Larvae will begin the feeding process on the fern of the plants and migrate across the spears,
feeding as they go along.
The beetles are known to cause serious damage when compared to similar
pests like the spotted asparagus beetle.
Special Characteristics Of The Asparagus Beetle
The Asparagus Beetle
If you’ve planted asparagus in your home garden, consider the many
options available that will help protect your asparagus plants from asparagus
beetles.
This will involve physical, cultural, and biological control methods.
Removal Of The Asparagus Beetle
The Asparagus Beetle
•Check plants regularly for signs of asparagus eggs, larvae, or adult beetles. In cases where eggs are
present, crush them to prevent them from developing into larvae or adults.
This is necessary as the larvae and adult beetles result in the most
damage to your asparagus plants.
Removal Of The Asparagus Beetle
The Asparagus Beetle
•Handpick these insects from plants, especially if you notice the worm-like
larvae crawling along fern, flower buds or the spear of the asparagus plant.
•Place larvae and adult asparagus beetle in a pail containing soapy
water. This will ensure the pests do not escape.
The soapy solution containing dishwashing liquid, for instance, is an
effective DIY insecticide which you can also use to spray your asparagus
plants.
Removal Of The Asparagus Beetle
The Asparagus Beetle•Brush plants gently with a small broom
to remove the larvae. The pests at this stage will find it difficult to make their
way back to the plant and will eventually die.
•Employ proper sanitation practices within your home garden. This includes
removing dead asparagus stems as adult asparagus beetle usually hide beneath
this and other plant debris during the winter.
•By removing leaf litter and other forms of plant debris, you’ll be able to reduce
the number of pests that emerge during springtime.
Removal Of The Asparagus Beetle
The Asparagus Beetle
•Introduce lady beetle larvae or parasitic wasps into your garden.
This means of biological control is effective as these insects consume
or kill the eggs and larvae of asparagus beetles.
Removal Of The Asparagus Beetle
The Asparagus Beetle
Chemical insecticides are also available for the control of
asparagus beetles.
However, these should be used only after consulting a professional
pest management, as insecticides can have adverse effects on
beneficial insects present in your garden.
Removal Of The Asparagus Beetle
The Asparagus BeetleLove to read more related content about pest
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