Family: Chrysomelidae
Subfamily: Chrysomelinae
Length: 9-11 mm
The accepted common name, False Potato Beetle, is used here, but it should be noted that since this is a beetle and since it does feed on potato, the name is misleading. The common name probably intends to say this is not the famous Colorado Potato Beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata. It is, however, in the same genus.
This species is most commonly found feeding on Horse Nettle, also on other Nightshades including Potato, Eggplant, and Ground Cherry.
On the False Potato Beetle, each black stripe is very neatly outlined with coarse punctures. On the Colorado Potato Beetle, by contrast, the punctures are irregular. Also, on each elytron of False Potato Beetle the black stripe closest to the elytral suture extends all the way to the apex, while on Colorado Potato Beetle the stripe nearest the suture stops well before reaching the apex.
Insects of West Virginia
