The bacterial wilt organism (Erwinia
tracheiphila) is of special interest because it
overwinters in the bodies of both the striped
and spotted cucumber beetles (Figure 3).
The adult striped cucumber beetle
(Acalymma vittatum) is 1/5 inch long and is
yellow-green with 3 black stripes down its
back. The larvae, which are cream colored
with a dark heads, feed on the plant root
systems and can cause extensive damage.
Spotted cucumber beetles (Diabrotica
undecimpunctata howardi) are 1/4 inch
long with 12 black spots on their back.