Whitefringed Beetles, Naupactus spp.
(Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Whitefringed beetles are found throughout the southern United States. The eggs are white to yellow in color, and the larvae are c-shaped and lack thoracic legs. The adult is usually dark gray or brown in color, and a light colored band is present along the borders of the wing covers. Eggs hatch between 11 and 100 days depending on environmental conditions.

Whitefringed beetles attack over 385 plant species. Whitefringed beetles are considered to be serious pests of agronomic crops and some vegetable crops. The most common hosts are okra, cowpeas, sweet potatoes, beans and peas. They may also attack young pines. Adults feed on foliage and larvae feed on the roots. If dead areas are noticed, roots and foliage should be inspected. The best time to sample for larvae is between August and May by sifting the soil. Cultural control can be achieved by planting crops that are less attractive to the beetles, and by crop rotation. Chemical control of adults is known to be somewhat effective.

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Whitefringed beetle, Naupactus sp., adult.
(Photographer: J. Castner, University of Florida) 		Click to access Display and Print quality images.


Whitefringed beetle, Naupactus sp., adult.
(Photographer: J. Castner, University of Florida) 		Click to access Display and Print quality images.


Whitefringed beetle, Naupactus sp., larva.
(Photographer: W. Dixon, FDACS-DPI) 		Click to access Display and Print quality images.


Whitefringed beetle, Naupactus sp., larva.
(Photographer: J. Castner, University of Florida) 		Click to access Display and Print quality images.


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