For Anyone Interested in the Wildlife of the U.K.
Asparagus Beetles
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Scientific name: Crioceris asparagi
Size: Approx 7mm long
Distribution: Found in many parts of the UK, especially in the south of England
Months seen: May to September
Habitat: Gardens, allotments and farms
Food: Asparagus
Special features: Asparagus Beetles are grey-black coloured beetles, with six, square, cream or yellow coloured spots on the wing casings and a red thorax. The larvae are greyish coloured, caterpillar-like, and grow up to 10mm long.
Both the adult beetles and their larvae feed on asparagus foliage and bark.
The larvae pupate in the soil around the asparagus plants. Adult Asparagus Beetles hibernate around the plants throughout the winter, sometimes amongst the leaves. They emerge again the following May to reproduce. The eggs are laid on the undersides of the asparagus leaves.
The best way to control them is to hand pick the beetles and larvae when you see them from late spring onwards.
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