What Do Colorado Potato Beetles Do

The Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) is a major potato pest throughout North America. Adults become active in spring, about the same time potato plants emerge from the ground. Larvae and adults feed on leaves and can completely defoliate plants.

What do potato beetles do?

Potato beetles are pests of plants in the nightshade family. Potatoes are one plant they devour, but the beetles also eat tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers. … Getting rid of potato beetles is a priority for the vegetable gardener due to the range of plants the pest can infest.

Why are Colorado potato beetles a pest?

Colorado potato beetle is the most destructive potato pest in Europe. Both adults and larvae feed on this host, and often cause complete defoliation of potato plants, with considerable yield losses of up to 50%.