Black Beetles on Tomatoes

by Dave
(S'coast Western Australia )

I have these little black beetles all over my tomatoes. They are smaller than a lady bug and have 4 tiny yellow spots, can anyone advise me as to what these may be and how to get rid of them? I am purely organic so an organic solution is required. Thanks for any help.

Dave.

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Black Beetles on Tomatoes

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May 07, 2012
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I found the answer
by: Anonymous

Hi guys. Yes after a lot of searching I did eventually find out what these suckers are. They are the green vegetable bug. Do a google image search and you will see that these bugs start off small and black and develop spots as they grow.

Eventually they become the fully grown adult (which breed like rabbits!) and are a lot bigger and completely green.

Unfortunately I still haven't found the answer because I had another infestation this year and lost most of my tomatoes.

They are definitely not beneficial since they literally are suckers. Look closely at your tomatoes or any other plants you see them on and you'll see the damage. They'll get into anything they can suck the life out of.

I tried using Pyrethrum which did deter them for a while but they never seem to go far. Keep an eye out for their strangely symmetrical shaped egg pods(?) Ive found them in my flower beds too nowhere near the vege patch so be on the lookout.

Dave.

May 07, 2012
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I was really hoping to see the answer as I have these too!
by: Anonymous

I think these bugs may be beneficial because they are hanging around a very healthy and happy jalapeno plant. I see absolutely no damage. In fact, I have another plant that isn't as healthy and there are none of these bugs on it. So I'm not necessarily looking to rid myself of them but I want to know what they are!

Jan 30, 2012
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black bugs on tomatoes
by: J

Dave I have the same black bugs on our tomatoes this year and would like to know if you have had any luck in identifying them and the solution to getting rid of them! We are organic also

Feb 18, 2011
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Australian tomato yellow spotted beetles
by: Anonymous

Query the Oregon State Plant Clinic at:
http://www.science.oregonstate.edu/bpp/Plant clinic/index.htm

See if they have access to information that would cover your specific geographical area. The Univ. has an extensive insect collection.

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