User:AvinoamAngelCakes/Diabrotica undecimpunctata

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Distribution

Distribution

This species is found throughout southern Canada, the continental USA, and the central highlands of Mexico '''but is particularly widespread throughout the southern states. '''

Description

'The three primary types of cucumber beetles include the spotted cucumber beetle, the banded cucumber beetle (Diabrotica balteata), and the striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma vittatum''). In North America, the spotted and striped cucumber beetles are the most commonly encountered varieties.'''

The spotted cucumber beetle has three subspecies, each with a different common name:

The pupae measure around 6.25 millimeters in length and 3.5 millimeters in width. They feature a pair of robust spines located at the end of their abdomen, along with smaller spines on the upper side of their other abdominal segments.
 * Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi – spotted cucumber beetle or southern corn rootworm
 * Diabrotica undecimpunctata tenella – western cucumber beetle
 * Diabrotica undecimpunctata undecimpunctata – western spotted cucumber beetle

Mating
'''During mating, the male spotted cucumber beetle positions himself on top of the female. Frequently, the female will make efforts to dislodge him. If the male manages to maintain his position despite the female's attempts, he will commence a gentle stroking of the female's antennae, eyes, and prolegs using his own antennae. This behavior is commonly referred to by researchers as 'antennal stroking.' '''

'''Before accepting a reproductive partner, a female spotted cucumber beetle may mate with up to 15 males. ''' Eventually, the female will bury her eggs in the soil at the bottom of a host plant. The ideal soil for egg survival is clay, or at least moist. '''In a lifetime, females can lay between 150-400 eggs. However, there have been cases in which females have surpassed this quota, with some laying a total of 1,200 eggs. In some cases, specifically when the climate is at a lower temperature, eggs can take 30 days to hatch. In the summertime, adults usually have a lifespan of 60 days, while in winter, they can survive for as long as 200 days. '''

Diet
'''Adult Spotted Cucumber beetles consume over fifty different types of crops and wild plants, including corn, peanuts, beans, apples, cherries, clovers, lettuce, potatoes, and more. Spotted Cucumber Beetles are classified as generalist feeders, which means they consume a wide variety of foods, however they often prefer cucurbits (plants belonging to the gourd family). '''

Natural Enemies

The Spotted Cucumber Beetle has many natural prey. Of those, carabid beetles and wolf spiders are known to eat the Spotted Cucumber Beetle. Research has indicated that the presence of these natural foes in cucumber and squash fields leads to a decrease in Spotted Cucumber Beetle populations. There are a variety of Vertebrates who are entree to the Spotted Cucumber Beetle: birds, mice, bats, and toads. Some predators eat the eggs of the beetle. Specifically, spiders, ground beetles, ants, and crickets.