The asparagus beetle, as its name suggests, is a pest that affects asparagus plants. This beetle is also known as the common asparagus beetle (Crioceris asparagi) and is sometimes mistaken for a closely related species of beetles called the spotted asparagus beetle.

1. The Asparagus Beetle
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2. The Asparagus Beetle
The asparagus beetle, as its name
suggests, is a pest that affects
asparagus plants.
This beetle is also known as the
common asparagus beetle
(Crioceris asparagi) and is sometimes
mistaken for a closely related species of
beetles called the spotted asparagus
beetle.
What Is The Asparagus Beetle

3. The Asparagus Beetle
Asparagus beetles can frequently be
found within home gardens. These
plant-eating pests devour sections of
the asparagus plant upon which they
feed.
Gardeners will most likely see the
common asparagus beetle emerging
from underneath old asparagus plants
or any other form of organic debris
during early spring. These insects will
then begin feeding on the spears of
asparagus plants.
Frequented Areas of The Asparagus
Beetle

4. The Asparagus Beetle
Asparagus beetles are common in
many parts of the United States and
North America in general.
They are also known to affect gardens
throughout the world where
asparagus is grown.
Frequented Areas of The Asparagus
Beetle

5. The Asparagus Beetle
Once you’ve seen an asparagus beetle,
you’ll be able to identify telltale
physical characteristics that distinguish
this beetle from all other beetles.
The asparagus beetle has a body that
is fairly oval in shape, measuring
about ¼ inch in length.
Its body is dark, almost bluish-black
with six cream colored spots. These
spots are distributed in pairs, two in
each row.
Identification – Physical
Characteristics of Asparagus Beetles

6. The Asparagus Beetle
Their heads are also clearly visible, with
a pair of antennae extending for a few
millimeters.
Most have a pattern of red
surrounding the edges of their wing
covers.
Unlike adult asparagus beetles, their
larvae look like worms with gray
bodies and black heads. The eggs of
these insects are dark brown in color.
Identification – Physical
Characteristics of Asparagus Beetles

7. The Asparagus Beetle
A special characteristic of
this beetle relates to their love of
asparagus plants. Larvae will begin
the feeding process on the fern of the
plants and migrate across the spears,
feeding as they go along.
The beetles are known to cause serious
damage when compared to similar
pests like the spotted asparagus beetle.
Special Characteristics Of The
Asparagus Beetle

8. The Asparagus Beetle
If you’ve planted asparagus in your
home garden, consider the many
options available that will help protect
your asparagus plants from asparagus
beetles.
This will involve physical, cultural,
and biological control methods.
Removal Of The Asparagus Beetle

9. The Asparagus Beetle
•Check plants regularly for signs of
asparagus eggs, larvae, or adult
beetles. In cases where eggs are
present, crush them to prevent them
from developing into larvae or adults.
This is necessary as the larvae and
adult beetles result in the most
damage to your asparagus plants.
Removal Of The Asparagus Beetle

10. The Asparagus Beetle
•Handpick these insects from plants,
especially if you notice the worm-like
larvae crawling along fern, flower buds
or the spear of the asparagus plant.
•Place larvae and adult asparagus
beetle in a pail containing soapy
water. This will ensure the pests do not
escape.
The soapy solution containing
dishwashing liquid, for instance, is an
effective DIY insecticide which you can
also use to spray your asparagus
plants.
Removal Of The Asparagus Beetle

11. The Asparagus Beetle
•Brush plants gently with a small broom
to remove the larvae. The pests at this
stage will find it difficult to make their
way back to the plant and will
eventually die.
•Employ proper sanitation practices
within your home garden. This includes
removing dead asparagus stems as adult
asparagus beetle usually hide beneath
this and other plant debris during the
winter.
•By removing leaf litter and other forms
of plant debris, you’ll be able to reduce
the number of pests that emerge during
springtime.
Removal Of The Asparagus Beetle

12. The Asparagus Beetle
•Introduce lady beetle larvae or
parasitic wasps into your garden.
This means of biological control is
effective as these insects consume
or kill the eggs and larvae of
asparagus beetles.
Removal Of The Asparagus Beetle

13. The Asparagus Beetle
Chemical insecticides are also
available for the control of
asparagus beetles.
However, these should be used
only after consulting a professional
pest management, as insecticides
can have adverse effects on
beneficial insects present in your
garden.
Removal Of The Asparagus Beetle

14. The Asparagus Beetle
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