Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say, 1824

Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say, 1824 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a major pest of potatoes (as would be suggested by its common name). This holometabolous (complete metamorphisis: egg, larva, pupa, adult) insect is quite small (adults <1.0 cm) but conspicuous due to the blank and yellow bands on its dorsum. This species can be found throughout North America and other parts of the world (due to dispersal by human activity). The life cycle of this insect is a few weeks depending on environmental conditions. This species may one day serve as a new model for the mass production of protein and fat through harvesting of larvae and pupae.