Bean Leaf Beetle
Cerotoma trifurcate
The bean leaf beetle is common in the NorthCentral United States. With sightings in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario. They are most abundant when there have been moderate winters.
The adults feed on the undersides of leaves. The larvae feed on the bean roots but don't damage the plants. They are the primary vector of the bean pod mottle and also are known to vector cowpea mosaic, and southern bean mosaic viruses.
The insect prefers poorly drained clay and organic soils. Hosts of the bean leaf beetle include bean, clover, corn, cowpea, soybean, peanut, and several leguminous weeds. Bean leaf beetles go after the youngest plant tissue available. When vegetative growth terminates, they will consume tender pod tissue. Pod damage is usually limited to the outer layers of the pod.
Though the adult varies greatly in color and markings, they all have a distinctive black, triangular-shaped spot on the forward margin of the wings.
Control can be as simple as handpicking them and dropping in a bucket of soapy water. If that doesn't appeal, try spraying with Neem Oil or Pyrethrins.
For control products and more information please see our Pest Beetle Control page.
-
$11.97–$34.99
-
$14.99–$144.49
-
$80.00–$1,026.00
-
$125.00–$225.00
-
$350.00–$975.00
-
$35.00–$285.00
-
$12.99–$129.99
-
$260.00–$936.00
-
$750.00–$2,700.00
-
$270.00