CHEWING INSECTS

INSECTS THAT EAT FOLIAGE AND/OR FRUITS OF PLANTS LEAVING VISIBLE SIGNS OF DAMAGE

SQUASH VINE BORER, Melittia satyriniformis (Hubner)
and related species
Description Picture Damage
  • adult moth is one of the "clear wing" types because the hind wings lack scales
  • a 1 1/2-inch wing expanse
  • metallic green-black colors
  • hind wings fringed with black and orange hairs and similar colors on the abdomen
  • moths are day fliers
  • larvae are white, heavy-bodied and over 1 inch long when full grown



    • Photo credit: Extension Entomology, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University

  • larvae bore into vines
  • appear more like a grub than a caterpillar
  • infested vines may be totally destroyed
  • much variation exists in the susceptibility of squash and pumpkin varieties
  • hubbard squash is highly susceptible



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    Last modified: March 30, 1998