![harlequin bug pinbox harlequin bug pinbox](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c1/e8/cd/c1e8cda6281ecf8326a559d20487e6b4.jpg)
Winter canola and other brassica crops that survive through winter, such as kale, also serve as early season hosts.Įggs are laid in distinctive masses on the underside of leaves. Various winter annual weeds, such as wild mustards, flixweed, peppergrass, and shepherd’s purse, are widely available hosts that can support the spring generation. With return of warming temperatures in spring they emerge and seek out food plants. Harlequin bugs survive winter in the adult stage, hidden under plant debris and other insulating cover. Cleome (spider plant) is a plant that is particularly favored by harlequin bug. Harlequin bugs may also feed on a wide range of other non-brassica plants, particularly during outbreaks. Related ornamental flowering plants are also susceptible, such as sweet alyssum, Matthiola, and Erysimum. In high numbers harlequin bugs cause extensive wilting, distortion and may completely destroy all new growth.Īlthough most any plant in the cabbage family can host and be injured by harlequin bugs, some crops tend to be more consistently damaged, including turnips, kale, cabbage and mustard. Harlequin bugs feeding on young leaves are more damaging and kill large areas of plant tissues resulting in dead, brown patches. When feeding occurs on mature leaves, this typically results in light colored cloudy spots at feeding sites. Harlequin bugs feed with mouthparts that allow them to pierce cells and remove fluids from the plant. Since harlequin bugs are not well adapted to cold temperatures, problems tend to be worse in seasons that follow mild winters. Harlequin bugs can be found in both eastern Colorado and areas of the West Slope, but most consistently occur as problems in the southeastern counties. Historically harlequin bugs have been problems restricted to southern areas of the US, but in recent years they have expanded their range northward and now can be common in many areas of Colorado. It feeds on several kinds of plants, mostly in the cabbage family (Brassicaceae), and can cause serious damage during outbreaks. The harlequin bug ( Murgantia histrionica) is a brightly colored insect that can occur as a significant pest in gardens and vegetable crops.
![harlequin bug pinbox harlequin bug pinbox](https://live.staticflickr.com/7138/7867879200_f9010696a4_b.jpg)
Adult harlequin bugs showing a range of color and patterning Harlequin bug nymphs after hatching from eggsįig. Injury to broccoli produced by harlequin bugsįig. These sprays are most effective against young stages of the insect.įig. Some insecticides applied as sprays can be used to control harlequin bugs.Hand picking/crushing egg masses and elimination of plants that provide food and cover between seasons can be useful in control of harlequin bugs in small plantings.
![harlequin bug pinbox harlequin bug pinbox](https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8380/8600292294_1dc5dfa6a8_b.jpg)
Cabbage family plants are most often damaged by harlequin bugs.Harlequin bug is a very brightly colored insect that is becoming more common in Colorado gardens.