Common Asparagus Beetle

I'm glad we don't grow asparagus. I was shocked to see a couple of plants on our allotment site infested with eggs, larvae and the adult common asparagus beetles (Crioceris asparagi).

The beetles and larvae cause damage to the foliage and cause bent stalks. It seems that the best way tone rid of these pests is to remove them as you see them and clear empty stalks in Winter to stop over-wintering adults. See the Asparagus Lover website.

The larvae can be brushed off the plant; if they fall on the ground before they're ready to pupate they will generally die before they make it back up the plant.