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Squash Bug adult
(John Obermeyer, Purdue University) |
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Common Name: Squash Bug - adult
See also: larva | damage Scientific Name: Hemiptera: Anasa tristis Status: pest of vegetable crops Damaging Stage: nymph and adult Biology: Adults are rather large (5/8 inch long), winged, brown-black, flat-backed insects and give off a disagreeable odor when crushed. Newly emerged nymphs have light-green-colored abdomens with black heads and legs. As they mature, the abdomen turns a brownish gray. The final two instars are approximately 1/10 to 1/2 inch long and have noticeable wing pads. Adults overwinter in the shelter of dead leaves, vines, boards, or buildings. They emerge in the spring to lay masses of eggs on the undersides of leaves. The eggs hatch within ten days, and the nymphs pass through five instars in one month. Only one generation develops each year, and new adults do not mate until the following spring. |