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Mexican Bean Beetle Larval Instar Guide
Mexican Bean Beetle Eggs
Mexican Bean Beetle Eggs, 4 Larval Instars, Pupae and Adult
After hatching, MBB larvae go through 4 stages of growth (called “instars”) before becoming pupae and then adults. Since Pediobius wasps will be most effective at killing larger instars, it is helpful to have an idea of what stage or stages of development are present in your field before deciding on your biocontrol release strategy.
Mummies → Appropriate when you see adults, eggs, or early instar larvae in your field
Adults → Appropriate when you see late instars, or a wide variety of instars in your field