Download a free copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader. Most producers have heard about or experienced plant damage caused by wireworms, flea beetles and cut-worms. Producers also are aware that these pests tend to be sporadic and unpredictable, meaning they do not appear on a year in, year out basis. And, when they do appear, damaging population levels may be limited to certain fields or portions of fields.
Wireworms are the larvae of beetles commonly called skipjacks, snapping beetles or click beetles.
When placed on their backs, wire-worm beetles have the ability to right themselves by flipping into the air. An audible click accompanies these acrobatics. The 800 species of North American wireworms vary in significance to vegetable producers, ranging from unimportant to capable of causing considerable damage. Larvae and adults are the stages most frequently encountered by gardeners and vegetable producers. Coloration varies depending upon the species and stage of development.