Epilachna beetles

Adults of this beetle, also known as the African melon ladybird, are 6-8 mm long, reddish in colour with a number of black spots on the wing cases. The larvae are 7-9 mm in length, soft and covered with dark coloured spines. Adults and larvae feed on leaves leaving a fine net of veins. Damaged leaves shrivel and dry up. Young plants can be entirely destroyed. Older plants can tolerate considerable leaf damage. This beetle is a vector of squash mosaic virus. Epilachna beetles attack all cucurbits.