Cucurbit-pest
Guides
Anasa
squash bugs
Anasa is a genus of squash bugs in the family Coreidae, containing more than 70 described species distributed throughout North, Central, and South America. The genus includes major agricultural pests, particularly Anasa tristis, which causes significant damage to cucurbit crops and vectors cucurbit yellow vine disease. Members of this genus are specialized herbivores of plants in the family Cucurbitaceae.
Anasa armigera
horned squash bug
Anasa armigera, commonly known as the horned squash bug, is a leaf-footed bug in the family Coreidae found in North America. It is a minor pest of cucurbit crops, occurring alongside the more abundant Anasa tristis in squash and cucumber fields. Adults are attracted to vittatalactone, the aggregation pheromone of the striped cucumber beetle, suggesting cross-species chemical communication in host location. The species serves as a host for egg parasitoids including Gryon pennsylvanicum and Hadronotus pennsylvanicus.
Diabrotica undecimpunctata
spotted cucumber beetle, southern corn rootworm, western cucumber beetle, western spotted cucumber beetle
Diabrotica undecimpunctata is a leaf beetle native to North America and a major agricultural pest. Adults are greenish-yellow with twelve black spots on the elytra. The species exhibits broad polyphagy, feeding on over 200 plant species across approximately 50 families. Three subspecies are recognized, with D. u. howardi (eastern) and D. u. undecimpunctata (western) being the most significant agriculturally. The species vectors bacterial wilt (Erwinia tracheiphila) and Pantoea ananatis, contributing to disease spread in cucurbits and corn.
Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi
Eastern Spotted Cucumber Beetle, Southern Corn Rootworm
Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, the eastern subspecies of the spotted cucumber beetle, is a polyphagous agricultural pest native to North America. It is distinguished from the western subspecies (D. u. undecimpunctata) by geographic range, occurring east of the Rocky Mountains. The species completes one to three generations annually depending on latitude, with adults overwintering in mild climates and spreading northward seasonally. Both larval and adult stages cause economically significant damage to multiple crops.
Diaphania hyalinata
melonworm moth, melonworm
Diaphania hyalinata, commonly known as the melonworm moth, is a crambid moth species and a significant agricultural pest of cucurbit crops. Native to the Neotropics, it has established permanent populations in the southern United States and disperses northward annually during warmer months. The species exhibits behavioral plasticity in feeding habits: in Florida and tropical regions, larvae primarily feed on leaves, while in more northern latitudes such as Virginia, they frequently burrow directly into fruits. Laboratory studies indicate a complete life cycle of approximately 20–23 days under warm conditions.
Diaphania modialis
Cucumberworm Moth
Diaphania modialis is a crambid moth commonly known as the Cucumberworm Moth. It belongs to a genus whose larvae are significant agricultural pests, particularly of cucurbit crops. The species was described by Dyar in 1912 and occurs in the Americas.
Epilachna borealis
Squash Lady Beetle, Squash beetle
Epilachna borealis, commonly known as the squash lady beetle or squash beetle, is a phytophagous lady beetle native to the eastern United States. Unlike most lady beetles that are predatory, this species feeds exclusively on cucurbitaceous plants. Adults and larvae cause significant damage to squash, pumpkins, and related crops by skeletonizing leaves and feeding on fruit rinds. The species is frequently mistaken for beneficial lady beetles or cucumber beetles due to its similar appearance.