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How to Manage Pests
UC Pest Management Guidelines
Cotton
Darkling Beetles
Scientific Name: Blapstinus spp.
(Reviewed 2/05,
updated 2/05)
In this Guideline:
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Darkling beetle adults range from 0.12 to 0.25 inch (3-6 mm) long and are about
half as wide. They are dirty black to rusty brown in color, but this may be
obscured by dust or a thin layer of soil. Larvae are very similar to wireworms
in appearance.
Beetle adults girdle or cut off seedlings at or below the soil surface, and are
mostly active at night. After plants reach a height of 4 to 6 inches, darkling
beetles are usually not a problem. Darkling beetles sometimes invade cotton
from grain fields, weedy areas, or from adjacent alfalfa.
Watch for darkling beetle injury by walking the field during the seedling
stage. Pay special attention to field edges and any low or weedy areas.
Currently there are no bait products registered for control of darkling beetles
in cotton.
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UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Cotton
UC ANR Publication 3444
Insects and Mites
L. D. Godfrey, Entomology, UC Davis
P. B. Goodell, UC IPM Program, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
E. T. Natwick, UC Cooperative Extension, Imperial Co.
D. R. Haviland, UC IPM Program, Kern Co.
Acknowledgment for contributions to the insects and mites section:
E. E. Grafton-Cardwell, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
N. C. Toscano, Entomology, UC Davis
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