Agriculture: Fig Pest Management Guidelines

Darkling Ground Beetle

  • Blapstinus fuliginosus
  • Description of the Pest

    The adult beetle is oval shaped, dull black in color, and is about 0.25 inch long by 0.12 inch wide. The larvae, called false wireworms, are up to 0.5 inch long and cream to pale tan in color.

    Damage

    Damage is caused by adults feeding in the fruit.

    Management

    Larvae feed on decaying organic matter in and on the soil surface. Remove or hasten the breakdown of organic matter to reduce the available host material for larvae. This should reduce the population. Complete harvest rapidly and remove figs from the orchard to reduce exposure to infestation by adults. No chemical controls are recommended.

    Text Updated: 07/06
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