Plants wilt and die. Throughout United States. In spring these mobile insects move into fields. Beginning in early summer, females lay 7-20 eggs in rows on undersides of leaves at leaf vein junctions. Nymphs emerge in one to one and a half weeks and feed in groups, remaining on the undersides of leaves.
Nymphs develop through five instars over a period of five to six weeks.
Treatment is warranted if the average number of egg masses is greater than one egg mass per plant, before or during bloom. Cultural Control Hand-pick adults and eggs. The tachinid fly, Trichopoda pennipes , is a natural enemy of the squashbug. Dust with a botanical insecticide if necessary. Treat with a registered insecticide when damage appears.