grcolaspis.jpg

Grape colaspis, Colaspis brunnea (Fabricius)


This is taken primarily from an extension bulletin by D. G. Pfeiffer & P. B. Schultz, entitled "Major Insect and Mite Pests of Grape in Virginia" (Va. Coop. Ext. Serv. 444-567 (1986))
This beetle passes the winter in the soil, in the larval stage. Development is completed in the spring and adults emerge in June and are present through August. Adult beetles are light brown, about 5 mm long, with longitudinal rows of evenly spaced punctures on the elytra, or wing covers. Feeding marks are elongate oval scars. Damage is usually dispersed, occurs after foliage is developed, and is considered minor. Besides grape foliage, grape colaspis adults feed on strawberry, apple and a variety of vegetable crops. Eggs are deposited in the soil during summer and fall. Highly creviced soils, such as clay loam, are preferred. Larvae feed on roots of grasses, clover, soybean, and rice until cold weather; larvae are not known to feed on grape. There is one generation per year.

Back to Virginia Vineyard page
Back to Virginia Fruit Page