Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > What's wrong with my plant? > Vegetable > Snap bean > Holes in pod
Snap bean > Pod > Holes in pod
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Corn Earworm
Helicoverpa zea
- Larvae feed on outside of pod causing surface damage, may also burrow into pods to feed on seeds
- Larvae feed on foliage resulting in small holes
- Fully grown larvae are about 2 inches long with alternating dark and light lines running lengthwise down their backs; larvae vary in color from olive-brown to light green to pink to brown, with a lighter colored underside
- Larvae are present in late June and again in August
- More information on Corn Earworm
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Bean Leaf Beetle
Cerotoma trifurcate
- Adults feed on pods, creating small pits
- Adults feed on the undersides of leaf surfaces, resulting in small (1/10 inch), round holes
- Can completely defoliate a plant
- Adults are about ¼ inch long, oval-shaped and vary in color from yellowish-green to a brick red, with a black triangle directly behind their head
- Adults first appear in May and are present throughout the growing season
- Delay planting beans until mid to late June
- Handpick beetles on the beans and place in a pail of soapy water
- More information on Bean Leaf Beetle
