SproutRobot’s MOST WANTED: Squash bugs
Wanted for sucking the life from vine crops and leaving wounds which disrupt the flow of water and nutrients. Increasing accusations allege the squash bug has been feeding directly on fruit near harvest-time. Aliases: Anasa tristis, squashies, leaf-footed bugs, stink bugs (because of similar appearance), the Pumpkin Pummeler, smoosh bug, Cucumba Killa Description: Adults are large, flattened insects that measure approximately ⅝ inch long and ⅓ inch wide. Can be colored dark brown to dark grey and often feature brown and orange stripes around the edge of their abdomens. Eggs are about 1/16 inch long, red or yellowish brown in color and mostly found in clusters of 12, laid in a V pattern on the underside of leaves. DOB: In the Midwest, there is usually one generation of squash bugs; the southern United States may see two generations. Female squash bugs are known to begin appearing in gardens in June and will lay eggs through mid-summer. Eggs hatch in 10 to 14 days and nymphs grow into adults in about six weeks. Occupation: webmaster at www.vampiresrus.com Last known whereabouts: While the squash bug is considered indigenous to the United States, the insect has a native range that includes Central America and northern South America. Squash bugs do not seem as likely to turn up in the Pacific Northwest. Remarks: Squash bugs are reported to be elusive, and will scurry for cover if discovered. Known to incite vengeance killing.
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