CEREAL LEAF BEETLE


Cereal leaf beetle adult


Cereal leaf beetle larva

Identification & Incidence: Cereal leaf beetle (CLB) larvae may defoliate small grain foliage in the spring. Black larvae are coated with a slimy substance that readily spots a field inspector's clothing. Heavily infested fields will exhibit a frosted appearance.

Sampling: Evaluation of an infested field should include sampling of 30 or more plants to determine no. of larvae per stem and stage of larval development. Early larvae are less than 1/4 inch, late larvae are approximately 3/8 inch prior to pupating.

Economic Threshold: An average of 2 or more larvae per stem may be regarded as economic.

Management Options: CLB is generally controlled by a complex of beneficial wasps. Treatment of fields may be warranted when mild winters adversely affect natural control. See chart for insecticides labeled for CLB on wheat.

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Corn, Soybean, Wheat, and Alfalfa Field GuideBulletin 827