Insecticides are most effective on young squash bug nymphs (Fig 1B) compared to other life stages. Visual scouting for all life stages of squash bugs should occur from June to September. Squash bug damage on (A-B) leaves and (C) fruits. Fruit becomes disfigured and discolored (Fig 5C).įigure 5. Leaf damage causes brittle discolored spots or wilting (Fig 5A-B). Adults and nymphs feed on leaves and fruit by piercing and sucking plant juices, damaging plant tissue and potentially spreading disease. Squash bugs prefer squash and pumpkins but will feed on other cucurbits. The (A) assassin bug and (B) spined soldier bug are beneficial predators. Both of these insects are beneficial predators and their presence should be encouraged.įigure 4. Spined soldier bugs are shield-shaped with distinctly pointed shoulders. Assassin bugs typically have a more sculpted body and a spiny exterior. Squash bug adults may also be confused with assassin bugs (Fig 4A) or spined soldier bugs (Fig 4B). Other insects, like leaf-footed bugs, may appear similar to squash bugs but are an not economically important pest of cucurbits. Similar herbivorous insects include leaf-footed bugs (Fig 3), which are less likely to cause serious damage to cucurbits than squash bugs.įigure 3. Horned squash bugs have more prominent spines on the head. The horned squash bug feeds on cucurbits, but is less damaging than the squash bug. Squash bugs have one generation per year in Michigan, but all life stages can be observed at any time of the season. Nymphs hatch within 10 days and begin to feed, reaching adult stage in 35-40 days. Morrison III Life cycleĪdults overwinter indoors or in leaf litter or field debris, and emerge in April or May to lay eggs. (A) Squash bug late nymphs, and (B) adults. Adults can fly but generally walk on the ground between plants, where they are well-camouflaged.įigure 2. Nymphs will often be seen clustered together, while adults are found singly or in mating pairs. Adults are flat-bodied, about 5/8 inch long, black and brown with light and dark stripes along the side (Fig 2B). Upon hatching, nymphs are green with red legs and antennae, which turn black within hours (Fig 1B).Īs nymphs mature their bodies become gray (Fig 2A). Eggs are small, oblong, and a shiny copper color. Squash bugs lay clusters of 10-20 eggs on the surface or underside of leaves between leaf veins, or on the stem (Fig 1A). Squash bug juveniles and adults can cause significant damage to foliage and fruits.
Squash bugs prefer pumpkin and squash, but will feed on other cucurbits like cucumber and watermelon. Cucurbits in Michigan are vulnerable to squash bug damage throughout the growing season.
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