Sugarcane Beetle

Alais, Euetheola humilis rugiceps (LeCont), Coleoptera:Scarabaeidae

DESCRIPTION:
The beetle is black, about 1/2" to 5/8" long with ribs along the wing covers. Legs are strong and adapted for digging. Larva are "white grubs" up to 1-1/4" long. In this case it is the BEETLE not the grub that is the problem. The beetle is a scarab so it will have the general shape of a Japanese beetle or green June beetle.

CROP:
Field Corn - Other corn types may also be attacked.

DAMAGE:
Missing and wilted plants. Upon examination you see ragged feeding and some to many plants with "big chunks" eaten out of the side of the stem just below ground level. You will find a black beetle doing the damage. WARNING - there are also ground beetles (predatory beetles) present. These are more elongated and flat beetles.

LOCATION:
Last seen in Christian County, Kentucky near the Trigg County Line.

IF FOUND IN KENTUCKY CONTACT:
Dr. Doug Johnson
University of Kentucky Research and Education Center
P.O. Box 469
Princeton, KY 42445

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