So... What's a Cucumber Beetle? The adult striped cucumber beetle is about 1/4" long and has a yellow body sporting three black stripes down the back on its wing covers. The adult spotted cucumber beetle is approximately the same size as the striped, however it has a yellowish-green body with 12 black spots on its wing covers. Both beetles have black heads. The larvae of both beetles are between 1/3" to 3/4" in length and white to yellowish-white in color. The eggs are yellowish-orange in color. Despite these slight differences in appearance, both of these cucumbers are similar in their life cycles, the damage they do, and the methods used to control them. 
Reproduction Patterns of Cucumber Beetles When the adult cucumber beetle emerges from overwintering, after finding food, it will lay eggs in the dirt next to plantings which can then be used by the larvae for nourishment once they hatch in about ten days. Larvae will feed on the roots and stems of the plantings for 2-4 weeks and then pupate. In another two weeks, they will emerge as adults. Depending on the climate, there can be 2-3 generations of cucumber beetles in a year. Cucumber Beetle's Habitat Cucumber beetles are found throughout the United States and southern parts of Canada. The adult cucumber beetle overwinters under vegetation debris or thick grasses. In areas where winters are quite cold, the cucumber beetle migrates southward to warmer regions. They return to their northern habitats during the spring of each year. They search for food in nearby fields, eating wood pollen and stems while waiting for the emergence of their favorite crops such as cucumber, bean, and various squash and melon seedlings. The spotted cucumber beetle will also feast on corn, peas, potatoes, tomatoes, and peanuts among other vegetation. Safer®Brand brings you a variety of effective insect control products that are gentler on the environment! Most of them proudly display the OMRI Listed® organic seal and comply for use in organic gardening! 
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