They overwinter as reddish brown oval eggs in the soil. Adults emerge in the spring to feed for 2-3 weeks before re-entering the soil to escape the summer heat. When they re-emerge, they disperse throughout the host crop, feeding, mating, and laying eggs (300-400/female). Feeding damage can cause delayed harvest or need for re-seeding to replace killed plants. Later in the season they feed on leaves, stems, and pods. Attached pods are prone to premature shelling.
For more information about the red turnip beetle, have a look at our Insect of the Week page!
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| Red turnip beetle adult and damage John Gavloski, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development |
