description Mexican Bean Beetle Overview
Epilachna varivestis, commonly called the Mexican bean beetle, is a herbivorous ladybird beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It differs from predatory ladybirds by feeding on the foliage of beans and related crops; adults are orange to copper and typically have eight black spots on each wing cover, while larvae are yellow and covered with branching dark-tipped spines. Feeding between leaf veins creates a lacy or skeletonized appearance, making the species a crop pest for bean growers and gardeners. [Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station](https://portal.ct.gov/CAES/Fact-Sheets/Entomology/Mexican-Bean-Beetle).
help Mexican Bean Beetle FAQ
What does the Mexican bean beetle eat?
The Mexican bean beetle feeds on bean foliage and related crops. Unlike predatory ladybirds, it is herbivorous and can damage leaves.
What is the scientific name of the Mexican bean beetle?
Its scientific name is Epilachna varivestis. It belongs to the ladybird family Coccinellidae.
How can the Mexican bean beetle be distinguished from helpful ladybirds?
Adults are orange to copper and typically have eight black spots. Their plant-eating behavior also distinguishes them from many ladybirds that prey on aphids and other insects.
Does the Mexican bean beetle attack beans directly?
The beetle mainly attacks the foliage of beans and related crops rather than behaving like a predator. Heavy feeding can leave leaves skeletonized and reduce the plant's ability to grow.
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