HPIPM:Blister Beetles SB

Taxonomy

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Arthropoda
Subphylum	Hexapoda
Class	Insecta
Subclass	Pterygota
Infraclass	Neoptera
Order	Coleoptera
Suborder	Polyphaga
Infraorder	Cucujiformia
Superfamily	Tenebrionoidea
Family	Meloidae
Subfamily	Meloinae
Tribe	Epicautini
Genus	Epicauta

Scientific Name

Epicauta pensylvanica

Common Name

black blister beetle

Author: Gary L. Hein

Several species of blister beetles will feed on sugarbeet. Four of the most common blister beetles found to feed on sugarbeet are the black, ash-gray, spotted and the striped. Economic infestations of these insects are rare, but isolated infestations may occur in years with high grasshopper populations.

Identification (life cycle and seasonal history)

Blister beetles are soft-bodied insects with a slender cylindrical shape. They range in length from about 1/3 to 3/4 inch. Blister beetle larvae are predacious on grasshopper eggs and are therefore beneficial. In years when grasshopper populations are high, blister beetle adult populations also will be high.

Plant Damage and Response

Blister beetles often feed in large aggregations that can result in rapid defoliation of the host plants in spots in a field. Total leaf defoliation can occur, leaving only the midribs of the plants; however, these infestations are generally limited to small patches.

Management Approaches

Scouting of sugarbeet fields and insecticide treatments of damaging populations is necessary to manage this occasional pest. No insecticides are labeled for blister beetle control in sugarbeet; however, a product labeled for blister beetle control on other crops and labeled for use on sugarbeet should provide good control (e.g. carbaryl).

The information herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and that listing of commercial products, necessary to this guide, implies no endorsement by the authors or the Extension Services of Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming or Montana. Criticism of products or equipment not listed is neither implied nor intended. Due to constantly changing labels, laws and regulations, the Extension Services can assume no liability for the suggested use of chemicals contained herein. Pesticides must be applied legally complying with all label directions and precautions on the pesticide container and any supplemental labeling and rules of state and federal pesticide regulatory agencies. State rules and regulations and special pesticide use allowances may vary from state to state: contact your State Department of Agriculture for the rules, regulations and allowances applicable in your state and locality.