Potato Beetle

Distribution: North America, parts of Europe and Asia Size: 8–10 mm Eggs per Season: 300–800 Lifespan: 2–12 months Diet: Herbivore IUCN red list status: No Status The potato beetle, also known as the Colorado beetle or potato bug, is a small, oval-shaped insect with short antennae. Its yellow-orange body, measuring up to 10 mm, is distinguished by five brown stripes running along each elytron (protective wing case). The thorax also bears a distinctive pattern of black spots. A significant agricultural pest, the potato beetle affects crops such as potatoes, tomatoes, tobacco, and other plants within the Solanum family. Primarily feeding on leaves, they cause considerable damage, and their rapid development of resistance to most pesticides exacerbates their impact. Adult females can lay up to 800 eggs per season, contributing to their high population growth. For reproduction, female potato beetles emit a pheromone to attract mates, and both males and females mate with multiple partners throughout their adult lives. Beyond egg-laying, females provide no further parental care for their offspring.