–Raymond Cloyd — Horticultural Entomology
There are several insect pests currently feeding on plants in vegetable gardens including:
Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, adults feeding on potato plants (Figure 1);
Figure 1. Colorado potato beetle adult (Raymond Cloyd, KSU)
harlequin bug, Murgantia histrionica, adults mating and feeding on horseradish plants (Figure 2);
Figure 2. Harlequin bug adults mating (Raymond Cloyd, KSU)
and flea beetle adults feeding on potato plants (Figure 3).
Figure 3. Flea beetle adults feeding on potato leaves (Raymond Cloyd, KSU)
There are extension publications for the Colorado potato beetle and harlequin bug available with the links provided below:
Colorado potato beetle: insect pest of vegetable crops (MF3541)
https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3541.pdf
Harlequin bug (MF3135)
https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3135.pdf
These extension publications provide information on management strategies that can be implemented to avoid or minimize plant damage associated with Colorado potato beetle and harlequin bug. For flea beetle adults, you can contact your county horticulture agent for information on management strategies including the insecticides that can be applied to manage flea beetle adult populations.
For more information on managing insect pests in your vegetable garden contact your county horticulture agent or a state extension specialist.