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How to Manage Pests

Pests in Gardens and Landscapes

Seasonal development and life cycle—Asparagus beetles

Adult beetles overwinter in garden debris, especially old ferns. They emerge when spears first emerge. Beetles feed and lay dark brown eggs singly or in rows on spears. Eggs hatch in 3 - 8 days. Larvae are blue gray with black heads and feed on plant tips. Mature larvae drop to the ground and pupate just below the soil surface. A new generation of adults emerges in 1 - 2 weeks. After spears are harvested, beetles and grubs feed on ferns. There may be up to five generations a year.

Asparagus beetle larva
Asparagus beetle larva

Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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