Question

grape pest   QUESTION: This beetle or whatever it is is eating on my Concord Grape leaves.  There are two of them that I have found so far.  Could you identify it and tell me what I need to do to get rid of them?

ANSWER: Zoe,

This is the grape leaf beetle, see http://bugguide.net/node/view/37392 for another image. Like other leaf-feeding beetles they can be hand-picked if there are only a few. There are also insecticides such as neem oil or pyrethrum (see http://www.livingwithbugs.com/natural_pesticides.html).

Jack DeAngelis


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks so much for the identification!!  I had looked on the internet and didn't find anything, so I'm glad to know what it is.  Are these insects that over-winter or what?  I've never had them before in over 20 years of having my vines.  Is there something I've done that attracts them?

Thanks again!  This is a wonderful service and I really appreciate being able to contact someone who has expertise in the areas I need answers!!!!
Zoe

Answer
Here's a wikipedia page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grapevine_beetle that may be useful. They use a different common name (grapevine beetle). Adults apparently emerge in July with one generation per year, similar to Japanese beetle.

Jack DeAngelis