How to Manage Pests

UC Pest Management Guidelines

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Fig

Darkling Ground Beetle

Scientific Name: Blapstinus fuliginosus

(Reviewed 7/06, updated 7/06)

In this Guideline:

Description of the pest
Damage
Management

DESCRIPTION OF THE PEST

The adult beetle is oval shaped, dull black in color, and is about 0.25 inch long by 0.12 inch wide. The larvae, called false wireworms, are up to 0.5 inch long and cream to pale tan in color.

DAMAGE

Damage is caused by adults feeding in the fruit.

Larvae feed on decaying organic matter in and on the soil surface. Remove or hasten the breakdown of organic matter to reduce the available host material for larvae. This should reduce the population. Complete harvest rapidly and remove figs from the orchard to reduce exposure to infestation by adults. No chemical controls are recommended.

PUBLICATION

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

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