Colorado Potato Beetle

Leptinotarsa decemlineata

Content coming soon for this insect guide.

Insect Profile

Beneficial Rating

-5 Pest

Active Months

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

US Distribution

NortheastSoutheastMidwestSouthwestWestPacific Northwest

Habitat Preferences

Potato fieldsgardensagricultural areas

Taxonomic Group

Beetle

Order

Coleoptera

Family

Chrysomelidae

Lifecycle

The Colorado potato beetle overwinters as an adult in the soil. It emerges in the spring to mate and lay clusters of 20-30 orange-yellow eggs on the undersides of leaves. A single female can lay 300-800 eggs over 4-5 weeks. Eggs hatch in 4-15 days, and the larvae feed on host plant leaves, passing through four instars in 2-4 weeks. The fourth instar larvae burrow into the soil to pupate. After 5-10 days, the adults emerge. There are typically one to three generations per year, depending on the climate.

Overwintering Strategy

Adults overwinter in the soil, 5-10 inches deep, in or near potato fields.

Native Range

Southwestern U.S. and Mexico

Attracted By

Potatoeggplanttomatotomatilloand other plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae)

Repelled By

Catniptansysagehorseradishbush beansmarigoldsnasturtiumcorianderonioneucalyptus

Organic Control Methods

Organic control methods for the Colorado Potato Beetle include physical removal of beetles, larvae, and eggs. Row covers can be used to protect young plants. Beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, can help control populations. Spinosad, a naturally occurring substance, is an effective organic insecticide. Other options include neem oil, pyrethrins, and kaolin clay-based products like Surround. Crop rotation and planting trap crops are also effective cultural control methods.

Companion Planting

Companion planting can be an effective strategy to deter Colorado potato beetles. Planting catnip, tansy, or sage can help repel them. Horseradish is also known to deter potato beetles. Planting bush beans near potatoes is a mutually beneficial relationship, as beans repel Colorado potato beetles and potatoes repel Mexican bean beetles. Marigolds and nasturtiums are also commonly used as companion plants to deter a variety of pests, including the Colorado potato beetle.