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Blueberry Leaf Beetle

Judith Collins, H.Y. Forsythe, Jr. and, David Yarborough (1995)

Summary

Adults and larvae of the blueberry leaf beetle damage blueberry plants by eating the lower surface of the leaf, leaving a lacy network of fine veins; this is called "skeletonizing." The upper surface later turns brown. Infestations are usually confined to isolated areas and abandoned or poorly managed fields. However, when the beetles are very abundant for two or three successive seasons, they may kill blueberry plants over large areas. This fact sheet provided information on symptoms, significance of damage, and links to extension educators that can help.