Greater and Lesser Yam Beetles

Catalogue Type
Plant Pests Catalogue
Scientific Name
Heteroligus meles / Heteroligus appius
Family
Dynastidae
Distinguishing Characters
Adult beetles are 23-33 mm long, dark brown to black, with 2 prominent knobs on the head.
The beetles lay eggs in the soil close to river banks and these hatch to produce creamy-white to grey larvae, which feed on grass roots and other organic matter.
Host Crop
Yam
Order
Coleoptera
Photo of Insect
Photo of Damaged Crop