28-SPOTTED LADYBEETLE and OTHER LEAF-EATING BEETLES

Henosepilachna spp.

This pest confuses gardeners because it looks like a ladybeetle syn. ladybird, one of the 'good bugs' but it is definitely a pest. What gives it away is the skeletonised leaf where the pest has been feeding. If you are still not sure than count the spots. The Common Spotted Ladybird, a 'good bug' only has 18 spots.

The eggs of the 28-Spotted Ladybeetle are laid under the leaves in a cluster the size of a 5 cent piece. The larvae hatch out in about a week and look like little greenish-yellow hedgehogs and can seriously damage  a range of crops including cucurbits, beans, potatoes and tomatoes.

Most beetles are useful 'good bugs' but a few are leaf or flower eating. The pest group include Pumpkin beetle, Red-shouldered leaf beetle (Monolepta australis), Jewel beetle, Flea beetle, Figleaf beetle and Orchid beetle.

Suggested Products:

Pyrethrum

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