Asparagus

Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

Asparagus:  Asparagus beetle, Crioceris asparagi (Linnaeus),  Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae

Biology:  Arkansas produces little commercial asparagus.  However, in the occasional commercial field and in home gardens, the most frequent insect pest is the asparagus beetle. Adult beetles (Photo 1) are up to 9mm long and dark metallic blue in color.  Each forewing has 3 yellowish spots that touch the outer margin of the wing.  Adult beetles pass winter in plant debris and emerge in early spring to search for asparagus plants.  After mating, females attach dark gray elongated eggs (Photo 2) to asparagus foliage and larvae hatch in about 1 week.  Larvae (Photo 3) are also dark gray with black head capsules, and feed on foliage for about 2 weeks.  Mature larvae migrate into the soil where pupation occurs.  Multiple generations occur each year.

Management:  Low numbers of asparagus beetles may be tolerated with a minimal effect on yield.  If beetle numbers increase beyond acceptable levels, use of insecticides may be warranted.  Most traditional insecticides are effective against asparagus beetles.