Asparagus beetle

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Asparagus beetle
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An asparagus beetle on an asparagus frond
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Chrysomelidae
Subfamily: Criocerinae
Tribe: Criocerini
Genus: Crioceris
Risk period
J F M A M J J A S O N D
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The Asparagus beelte (Crioceris asparagi) is a genus of the family Chrysomelidae of beetles. Bright red, cream and dark blue coloured beetles, oval shaped and about 1cm (½in) long. They will be feeding or laying eggs on asparagus spears and fronds. Larvae are grey coloured hump-backed grubs with black heads and three pairs of short legs. They will usually be found feeding on the fronds. The tiny dark coloured eggs are laid pointing away from the plant tissue.[1]

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Stems are eaten - leaves are stripped. Beetly is easily recognisable.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Organic[edit | edit source]

Regularly inspect plants and hand pick adults and larvae from the spears and fronds. Remove old dead stems and dispose of them to prevent adults over-wintering.[1]

Chemical[edit | edit source]

Spray with pyrenthrins or derris at first sign of attack.[2]

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Inspect spears as soon as they emerge for adults mating and laying eggs. Wipe away any eggs from the spears. Remove any old plant debris around the base of plants to prevent larvae pupating.[1]

Examples[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

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  1. a b c Asparagus beetle Crioceris asparagi. BBC - Gardening Advice. Retrieved: 2010-07-31.
  2. Hessayon, D.G. (2009). The Vegetable & Herb Expert. Transworld Publishers, London. p. 11. ISBN 9780903505468