Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > What insect is this? > Garden Pests > Flies, moths, wasps,and other insects with obvious wings - 1/4 to 3/4 inch long > Squash vine borer

Squash vine borer

Melittia cucurbitae

Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota Extension

Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota Extension

Description: 1/2 inch long. Orange abdomen with black dots running lengthwise along the abdomen. Forewings are greenish brown; hind wings are clear.

Where/When: Associated with vine crops, especially zucchini, winter squash, pumpkins, and less frequently cucumbers and melons. Adults are active from late June/ early July to early to mid August.

Significance: Larvae tunnel through the stems, causing the plants to wilt and often causing the entire plant to die.

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