Asparagus Beetle
Crioceris asparagi
moderate risk
insect
Overview
Primary pest of asparagus. Both adults and larvae damage spears and fern foliage.
6-9mm, metallic blue-black with red-orange margins and 6 cream/yellow spots on wing covers.
Prevention Strategies
- •Harvest spears promptly to reduce egg-laying sites
- •Maintain healthy well-fertilized plants
- •Allow natural enemies to build up
Control Methods
- •Hand-pick adults and egg-covered foliage
- •Neem oil spray
- •Pyrethrin insecticide
- •Spinosad spray
Interesting Facts
- •Closely follows asparagus growth - often appears almost magically with first spears
- •Adults make a squeaking sound when alarmed
- •Spotted asparagus beetle (Crioceris duodecimpunctata) is a related species
- •Eggs stand upright like tiny black cylinders on foliage