UK Potato Growers Urged to Stay Alert as Colorado Beetle Threatens Crops

Potato growers across the UK are being urged by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to stay alert for the Colorado beetle, a serious pest that poses a significant threat to potato crops. 

Both adult beetles and their larvae feed on potato foliage, potentially causing severe economic damage to the industry. The pest is often introduced into the UK by accident, hitchhiking on imported plants and produce such as leafy vegetables, herbs, grains, and frozen goods. 

Defra’s Chief Plant Health Officer, Professor Nicola Spence, stress the importance of public involvement in identifying and reporting sightings to safeguard biosecurity. 

Anyone who finds a Colorado beetle should secure it in a container and report it immediately to APHA with a photo and location details and report it to the Scottish Government’s Horticulture and Marketing Unit by email [email protected] or local RPID officer.

How to spot a Colorado beetle:

The beetle’s body is yellow or cream with 10 black stripes and it has an orange head with irregular black spots.

It is usually between 6 to 11mm in length and 3mm in width. Its larvae are a pinkish red or orange colour, with black spots along each side and a black head and are up to 15mm in length. 

They are distinctive in appearance, however, there are several beetles that are frequently mistaken for them.