Mexican Bean Beetle

insect

Epilachna varivestis

Copper-brown ladybug relative that feeds on bean leaves. Only harmful ladybug in US.

Identification

1/4 inch copper-brown beetle with 16 black spots (looks like a ladybug but copper, not red). Yellow spiny larvae.

Skeletonized bean leaves (veins remain). Reduced pod set. Feeding on pods in severe infestations.

Hand-pick. Release Pediobius parasitic wasps. Row covers. Neem oil.

Carbaryl. Pyrethrin. Malathion.

Crop rotation. Remove bean debris. Fall tillage. Companion plant with potatoes (may repel). Plant early-maturing varieties.

Data confidence: medium | Source: curated_ipm