What is a potato bug?

Potato bugs, also known as Colorado potato beetles or Leptinotarsa decemlineata, are a common pest of potatoes and other crops in the Solanaceae family. They are native to North America but have spread to many other parts of the world.

These insects have a distinctive bright yellow and black striped pattern on their bodies, making them easy to identify. They are relatively small, measuring about 10mm in length as adults. Potato bugs lay orange-yellow eggs on the undersides of potato leaves, which hatch into larvae that feed on the plants.

Potato bugs can quickly defoliate a potato plant if left unchecked, leading to reduced yields and potentially crop losses. They are known for their ability to develop resistance to insecticides, making them difficult to control.

Cultural practices such as crop rotation, removing plant debris, and handpicking can help manage potato bug populations. Insecticides can also be used, but resistance management strategies should be employed to prevent the development of resistant populations.