|
Calligrapha californica
This Chrysomelid leaf beetle has a targeted host range and in nurseries it is found on occasion on coreopsis, also known as tickweed. You can find mention of it as coreopsis beetle or even tickweed beetle. It is also reputed to feed on ragweed. Both adults and larvae feed causing leaf skeletonization. There is limited information available on this insect. The adults have been found in the late May-early June here in Oregon. This is also a time when they are noted mating.
Management note: Some nurseries use the Bt var. tenebrionis (Novodor) to control the young larval stages of the beetle.
Web resources:
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension-Coreopsis beetle
The Home Garden: Calligrapha leaf beetles. This site has images of the larvae and their damage.
eHow: The Coreopsis Beetle. Summary of some web-based information on this beetle.
|
