[kdlynn (OP)]

i saw a bug today that looked like a beetle but i have never seen one that looks like this... it was a east little guy too, i couldn't get a picture. it had a red head but his body was black and white striped.

[kdlynn (OP)]

i meant fast not east

[Karen W.]

"RINGO" LOL.. sorry I couldn't resist!

[Karen W.]

Hi Kadie I think this is what you mean!

A close-up of Colorado Potato Beetles (Chrysomelidae)

[dentstudent]

If they are Colorado beetles, we had an outbreak of them in the UK in the 70'S and it was BAD NEWS! Are they a nuisance there too?

[kdlynn (OP)]

i can't see the picture. lol. this was the first one i've ever seen. he looked like an angry umpire. lol. seriously i couldn't believe what i was seeing. it looked like a cartoon

[DoctorBeaver]

Karen - that was my 1st thought too.

Angry umpire - I like that!  []

[Karen W.]

If they are Colorado beetles, we had an outbreak of them in the UK in the 70'S and it was BAD NEWS! Are they a nuisance there too?

I don't know much about them and have just bumped into them in books That I have read to th e kids at school, therefore felt it passible that it may have been the one kadie was speaking of!

[kdlynn (OP)]

so how big a problem are these bugs? what do they do? and if i saw one, does that mean there are a lot around here somewhere?

[Karen W.]

I'll do some research and see. Give me a day or two though!

[eric l]

so how big a problem are these bugs? what do they do? and if i saw one, does that mean there are a lot around here somewhere?

• The bugs themselves do not do as much harm as the larvae :  these feed from the leaves of the potato plant.
• The bugs lay their eggs on the downside of the leaves.  You can treat by spraying with a solution of soap (and I mean soap, not just any detergent) spraying upwards so that you are sure to treat the downside of the leaves.
• If you see one, you can be sure there are a lot of them around, at least if you have more potatoes in the garden or field.

 

[kdlynn (OP)]

thanks. luckily i have no potato plants!

[Karen W.]

so how big a problem are these bugs? what do they do? and if i saw one, does that mean there are a lot around here somewhere?

• The bugs themselves do not do as much harm as the larvae :  these feed from the leaves of the potato plant.
• The bugs lay their eggs on the downside of the leaves.  You can treat by spraying with a solution of soap (and I mean soap, not just any detergent) spraying upwards so that you are sure to treat the downside of the leaves.
• If you see one, you can be sure there are a lot of them around, at least if you have more potatoes in the garden or field.

 

Thanks Eric, I knew nothing about them, but those are interesting facts!