Bagrada Bug

(Bagrada hilaris)

Credits:Biovision-Infonet

It is typically shield-shaped, 5-7mm long and 3-4mm wide. The upper surface has a mixture of black, white and orange markings. Feeding by sucking by both adults and nymphs causes damage to leaves, which wilt later and dry. A heavy attack on young plants generally results in death of the plant.

What to do:

• Crop hygiene including destruction of weeds of the family Cruciferae prevents population build-up.
• Remove bugs by hand.