Publication E-43
May 1976
Purdue University
Cooperative Extension Service
West Lafayette, Indiana 47907

COMMON ASPARAGUS BEETLES
Alan C. York, Extension Entomologist, and John O. Sillings, Entomologist

Asparagus Beetle
Wherever asparagus is grown in Indiana the asparagus beetle can be found as soon as the shoots push above the soil in the spring. They feed on the tender buds near the tip causing the tips to be scarred and browned. After the leaves come out, both the beetles and their slug-like larvae can be found feeding on the surface of the stems and devouring the leaves. The larvae also excrete a black fluid which stains the plant. Newly-established asparagus beds are most seriously injured.

The adult beetle overwinters in sheltered places such as old asparagus stalks, under bark of trees, in fence rows, debris, etc. The adult beetle is highly colored, 1/4 inch long. The wing covers are bluish-black, with three creamy-yellowish square spots on each and reddish margins. Egg-laying begins as soon as the asparagus plants are available in the field, usually late April and early May. The eggs are black and are laid standing on end in rows along the shoots or on leaves. The eggs hatch in about one week; the small larvae crawl to the leaf tips and begin to feed. The larva is dull, grey with a black head and legs. The body is soft, wrinkled, and without hair. The larvae feed for 10 to 16 days, then leave the plant, and pupate in the soil. After 7 to 10 days the new adults emerge and the cycle starts over again. Each generation requires 3 to 8 weeks depending upon temperature, and there can be up to five generations per year in this area.

Spotted Asparagus Beetle
The spotted asparagus beetle is similar ln most habits to its close relative, the 
asparagus beetle. The adults are a little larger, reddish-orange in color with black antennae, eyes, and underside of thorax. Each wing cover has six distinct black spots.

The injury is most serious when asparagus is very young. Adults attack the tender buds and tips as do the asparagus beetles. They also feed on foliage. The larvae, however, feed entirely inside the red berries causing no damage to the shoots or foliage.

The adult beetle overwinters in the same manner as the asparagus beetle; however, they come out of hibernation a little later and do not begin egg laying until the plants start to blossom. The eggs are deposited singly on the plants, usually those bearing fruit. The egg is greenish-brown and is attached to the leaves.

The larvae hatch in 7 to 12 days and are yellowish-orange in color with a black head and legs. The larva finds a berry and enters

ASPARAGUS BEETLE SPOTTED ASPARAGUS BEETLE
Crioceris asparagi Crioceris duodecimpunctata