Pumpkin Beetle
Aulacophora hilaris
Bright orange beetle that chews circular holes in cucurbit leaves and flowers. Common in warm coastal gardens.
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Identify from a photoBackground
Pumpkin beetle (also called spotted pumpkin beetle) is native to Australia and is a regular visitor to home pumpkin, zucchini, cucumber and melon patches along the eastern seaboard. Adults chew characteristic circular arcs in leaves and flowers. The larvae live in the soil and feed on roots. Heavy populations can ring-bark young stems.
How to identify
- Adult: 6-8mm, bright orange elytra (wing covers) with four large black spots
- Larvae: slender pale grubs living in soil near roots
- Damage: circular holes in cucurbit leaves, scalloped flowers and petals, chewed stems
Life cycle
Eggs laid in soil. Larvae feed on cucurbit roots for 4-6 weeks before pupating. Adults emerge in spring and summer. 1-2 generations per year.
Weather triggers
- Temperature: 18-35°C
- Active on warm sunny days. Disappears in cool overcast weather.
Peak season (southern hemisphere)
Red = active season · Dark red outlined = this month
Affected vegetables & crops
Click any crop to see current prices and growing info.
Climate zones at risk
Organic & low-impact control
- Handpicking. Beetles drop off plants when disturbed so hold a container underneath
- Pyrethrum or spinosad for heavy infestations
- Row covers on young seedlings, removed for pollination
- Healthy vigorous plants outgrow moderate leaf damage
Chemical control
- Carbaryl and synthetic pyrethroids are available but not recommended during flowering due to bee impact
- Home gardeners should rely on handpicking and pyrethrum
Always read product labels. Registrations change.
Prevention
- Rotate cucurbit beds year to year
- Monitor from the two-leaf stage
- Keep plants well-fed and watered so leaf damage is outgrown
Companion planting
Nasturtium is often suggested as a trap crop but evidence is anecdotal. Interplanting with radish and bush beans is reported to reduce damage.
Biosecurity
Native. No quarantine concern.
Sources
- Queensland DAF, Pumpkin beetle in cucurbits
- Sustainable Gardening Australia, Pumpkin beetle
Accuracy confidence: medium. We update this library as new extension guidance is published.
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