Evaluating Flight Activity, Damage Potential and Feeding Behavior of the Sugarcane Beetle, Evetheola humilis for the Development of Effective Control Programs

The sugarcane beetle, an invasive beetle, has become an issue on golf courses, athletic fields, home lawns, sod farms and in pastures. Although initially pests only in southeastern states, sugarcane beetles have recently spread as far north as Delaware, west to Texas, and south to Florida in the last few years. With mounting evidence of climate change and temperature increase, there is concern that the sugarcane beetle will continue to spread to other areas across the United States.

Little is known about sugarcane beetle ecology and behavior, including when they move, how and where on the plant they feed, or the best management tools for control. The goal of this research is to create a model that will help predict the emergence and occurrence of sugarcane beetle adults and to relate feeding behavior to impacts on the turfgrass system. Managers that encounter unexpected insect infestations can use the information and model produced in this work to actively combat sugarcane beetle populations in areas where control is necessary. Ultimately, this research project will contribute important information that will allow the development of a comprehensive management plan for sugarcane beetles.