2 (1 = rare 5 = annual)

4 (1 = very little damage 5 = plants killed)

The squash vine borer (Melittia cucurbitae) tunnels in the vines of pumpkins and summer and winter squash; it rarely is found in cucumbers or melons and cannot complete its development except in squash or pumpkins.

Vegetable

• Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo; C. maxima; C. moschata; C. mixta)
• Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo and Cucurbita maxima)

The larva is white, thick-bodied, legless, and 1 inch long when full grown. The adult is a red and black, wasplike moth with clear wings and tends to sit on host plants and beans in the early morning. Reddish brown eggs are laid at the base of the stem just above or below the soil line.

The larva tunnels in the stems of squash, pumpkin, and other vine crops, causing plants to wilt and die in mid- to late season.

Squash vine borer adults emerge from cocoons in the ground in early summer. Eggs are laid at the base of susceptible plants. About seven days later, emerging larvae bore into the center of the stems to feed. The four to six weeks of feeding will causes the plant to wilt and die. The larvae pupate about 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface. In northern Illinois there is one generation per year, and pupae remain in the soil until the following growing season. In southern Illinois there may be a second generation each season.

Susceptibility varies greatly among varieties. Zucchini, blue hubbard, acorn, and delicata are very susceptible. Butternut squash is highly resistant to attack. When vines begin to run, scout twice weekly for the moths and for the entrance holes and frass. Treat as soon as early damage occurs and again five to seven days later. Then continue scouting and treat as soon as new damage is noted.

Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
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U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
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U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
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