Entomology
Squash bugs are large insects belonging to the family Coreidae. Adults measure about 15-20mm in length Their most distinctive features include:
- Flat, oval-shaped body
- Gray-brown to dark brown coloration
- Triangle-shaped plate (scutellum) on back
- Alternating orange and brown stripes along abdomen edges
- Hardened wing covers
- Strong, unpleasant odor when crushed
Reproduction Cycle
Adult squah bugs will often gather under dead leaves and other debris to protect from the winter. Emerging in spring the life cycle begins with:
- Eggs: Layed in a V shave on the underside of the leaf eggs hatch with in one to two weeks
- Nymphs: Starting as a green nymph it wil molt over the course of 6 weeks slowing developing a red and back color.
- Adults: Living around 3 of 4 months they over 100 eggs in this time
Social Aspects
Squash bugs exhibit several distinct behavioral patterns and social interactions:
- Congregate in groups, especially when young
- Adults and nymphs often feed together
- Gather under leaves and plant debris
- Mass together for warmth in early spring and fall
- Multiple generations may overlap on host plants
- Release defensive chemicals when threatened
- Seek winter shelter in groups
- Females guard egg clusters until hatching
Treatment Options
- Spray plants with strong water stream
- Introduce natural predators (ladybugs, lacewings)
- Apply insecticidal soap
- Pyrethroid insecticides
- rotate crops with non-susceptible plants
