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How to Manage Pests
UC Pest Management Guidelines
Cucurbits
Driedfruit Beetles
Scientific Names:
Driedfruit beetle: Carpophilus hemipterus
Freeman sap beetle: Carpophilus freemani
Confused sap beetle: Carpophilus mutilatus
(Reviewed 11/05,
updated 11/05)
In this Guideline:
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Driedfruit beetles, also known as sap beetles, are a complex of
several closely related species in the family Nitidulidae that have similar
life histories and resemble each other in appearance. The driedfruit beetle is
the most common species, but the other two are also common and can be the most
abundant in some fields. Other species are sometimes present in lesser numbers.
Adults are small brown or black beetles with or without lighter
spots on the wings, depending on species. They range in size from 0.1 to 0.2
inch (3–5 mm) long and have clubbed antennae. The wings do not cover the last
two to three abdominal segments. Eggs are laid in fruit, where larvae develop
and feed; larvae are
white and 0.1 to 0.2 inch (3–5 mm) long when mature. They have tan head
capsules, three pairs of true legs, and two hornlike structures on the anal
end. Pupation takes place in the soil.
When melons are approaching maturity and are at the half slip stage,
an entry point into the soft fruit tissue develops. Driedfruit beetles can
enter at this site and start feeding. They can also enter at any open site
caused mechanically or by other insects.
This pest builds up on any rotting fruit (such as citrus, stone
fruit, grapes, and figs), which increases the problem as the summer season
progresses. Monitor the field for the presence of these beetles. Because of the
minor pest status of driedfruit beetles, nothing is presently registered for
its control. These beetles are generally controlled when treatments are applied
for other pests. When possible, remove or disc nearby rotting fruit, especially
when it is upwind from the field; beetles can fly for some distance downwind.
Multiple disc, if necessary, infested fields promptly after final harvest.
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UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Cucurbits
UC ANR Publication 3445
Insects and Mites
E. T. Natwick, UC Cooperative Extension, Imperial County
L. D. Godfrey, Entomology, UC Davis
C. G. Summers, Entomology, UC Davis/Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
J. J. Stapleton, UC IPM Program, Kearney Agricultultural Center, Parlier
Acknowledgment for contributions to Insects and Mites:
R. L. Coviello, UC Cooperative Extension, Fresno County
C. B. Fouche, UC Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin County
J. B. LeBoeuf, AgriData Sensing, Inc., Fresno
M. Murray, UC Cooperative Extension, Colusa/Glenn counties
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