Comb-Clawed Beetles: A Potential Pest for Small Fruits and Peaches in Idaho

Comb-clawed beetles are small insects that are usually found on woodland flowering plants, where they feed on pollen, nectar, and possibly plant roots. Although not considered a major agricultural pest, homeowners in the Treasure Valley in southwest Idaho have become more concerned, reporting them as a pest of peaches and berries in particular. Part of an integrated pest management (IPM) series, this colorfully illustrated bulletin helps homeowners and growers alike to identify the comb-clawed beetle and to learn the IPM options available for its control. Ecological information and treatment recommendations further supplement the basic information shared about the insect’s description, biology, the damage it inflicts, and monitoring and management strategies.