Asparagus Beetle

Crioceris asparagi

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Insect Profile

Beneficial Rating

-4 Pest

Active Months

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

US Distribution

NortheastSoutheastMidwestWestPacific Northwest

Habitat Preferences

Gardensagricultural fields

Taxonomic Group

Beetle

Order

Coleoptera

Family

Chrysomelidae

Lifecycle

The Asparagus Beetle overwinters as an adult in plant debris and brush, becoming active in the spring as new asparagus spears emerge. The beetles lay dark, rod-shaped eggs in rows on the spears and ferns. These eggs hatch in about a week, and the slug-like larvae feed on the asparagus for about two weeks. After this feeding period, the larvae drop to the ground and pupate in the soil. In about one week, the next generation of adults emerges. There are typically two to three generations per growing season.

Overwintering Strategy

Adults overwinter in plant debris, hollow asparagus stems, and other sheltered locations.

Native Range

Europe and northern Asia

Attracted By

Asparagus

Repelled By

Tomatoesparsleybasilnasturtiumtansycalendula

Organic Control Methods

Organic control of the Asparagus Beetle can be achieved through a combination of cultural, physical, and biological methods. Cultural control involves destroying crop residues in the fall to eliminate overwintering sites for the adults. Physical control methods include handpicking the beetles and larvae and dropping them into a bucket of soapy water, as well as removing the eggs from the spears. A tiny parasitic wasp, Tetrastichus asparagi, is a natural enemy of the Asparagus Beetle and can parasitize up to 70% of the eggs. Lady beetle larvae and other predators also consume the eggs and larvae.

Companion Planting

Interplanting with tomatoes, parsley, or basil is said to repel asparagus beetles. Tomatoes emit solanine, a chemical that repels them. Nasturtiums may also deter the beetles.