How to Manage Pests
UC Pest Management Guidelines
Fig
Fig Beetle
Scientific Name: Cotinis texana
(Reviewed 7/06,
updated 7/06)
In this Guideline:
|
|
|
The adult fig
beetle (family Scarabaeidae) is 0.75 to 1.25 inches long, velvet green on top
with a brownish yellow band around the edge of the wings and a bright metallic
green color on its ventral side. The head has a short, hornlike process on the
front. Larvae are
soil dwelling and feed on
organic matter on the soil surface. They may be 2 inches long when mature and
are cream colored with tan head capsules and legs. Rows of short, stiff, brown
hairs on the back of thorax are used for locomotion rather than the legs.
Mature larvae form hollow cells in
the soil and pupate there.
Damage is done by the adults scraping a hole in the fruit and
feeding on the flesh inside. Their excrement stains the skin of the fruit.
Remove leaf litter and other organic matter from the soil surface in
spring to starve larvae. Also, allow the soil surface to dry out and harden to
imprison the adults before they emerge. Flood irrigate to destroy eggs and
young larvae; they cannot tolerate saturated soil for over 2 days. No chemical
controls are recommended.
![[UC Peer Reviewed]](/IMAGES/logo-ucpeerreviewed.jpg)
UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Fig
UC ANR Publication 3447
Insects and Mites
R. L. Coviello, UC UC Cooperative Extension, Fresno County
W. J. Bentley, UC IPM Program, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
Top of page
|
