Editors: W.T. Wilsey, C.R. Weeden, and A.M. Shelton

Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) - Life Cycle

Click for larger image	Adults: The adult Colorado potato beetles has alternate black and yellow stripes that run lengthwise on the wing covers - five of each color on each wing cover. The beetles are about 3/8 inch (9 mm) long by 1/4 inch (6 mm) wide and strongly convex above.
Click for larger image	Eggs: The orange-yellow eggs are deposited in small clusters on the underside of the leaves of the host plant and are attached by the end of each egg. Egg masses may contain 20-40 or more individual eggs. Eggs hatch about one week after they are laid.
	Larvae: The eggs hatch into small, humpback, reddish larvae with chewing mouthparts. They grow very fast, passing through four instars or stages, similar except in size, until full grown at slightly more than 1/2 inch (13 mm) in length in 2 1/2-3 1/2 weeks. Each larva has two rows of black spots down each side of its body as well as a blackhead and legs. The markings are very prominent during the final larval stages.
	Pupae: The full grown larva burrows into the soil to a depth determined by factors such as soil type, temperature, and moisture. There it makes a spherical cell and transforms to a yellowish, motionless, pupal stage. During this stage, which lasts from 5-10 days, it is transformed from larva to adult.

Damage inflicted by Colorado potato beetle on potatoes

Some information on this page taken from Insects of Solanaceous Crops: Cornello Cooperative Extension factsheet number 139VCFS760.00 authored by A. A. Muka and M. Semel.

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Maintained by Jason D. Plate. Last updated Mar. 8th, 2007.