They migrate to gardens and lay eggs singly or in clusters in the soil, in plant stems or on leaves, depending on species. Eggs hatch in about 10 days. After feeding for 3 to 4 weeks, they pupate and emerge in 7 to 10 days. Several generations can occur per year. Adult beetles chew small round or irregularly-shaped holes in plant leaves.
Damage appears as if someone shot leaves with buckshot.
Adult beetles feed on the leaves of a variety of wild, ornamental, and vegetable plants, particularly cucumbers, okra, peppers, tomatoes and eggplant. Larval stages feed on the roots and tubers of plants. Larvae of some species feed on or in foliage or tunnel into plant stems. For additional information, contact your local Texas extension service agent, or search for other state extension service offices.