Q: What is the beetle eating my sweet potato leaves?
A: This is a species of leaf beetle, Chelymorpha phytophagica, that is more specifically a tortoise beetle. They are known to feed on members of the Convolvulaceae plant family otherwise known as the morning glory family. Sweet potato is among almost 2,000 species of vines (mostly), trees, shrubs, and herbs. Other family members include notorious weeds (bindweed and dodder) and these insects may use these as alternate host plants.
The beetles can defoliate and if there is a large population, reduce the vigor of the plants. Since most plants can handle a little defoliation, it is not something to worry about if only small numbers of beetles are seen.
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Questions may be emailed to plwarren@cals.arizona.edu
