By Nariz
Spain 
Saint or Sinner?
This bug is residing on a potato leaf. Is he good or bad?
He's shaped like a ladybird but twice as big. Can't find him in any of my plant books! :o(
19 Jun, 2011
Answers
Not quite sure from your photograph, it may be Colorado Beetle, also known as potato beetle. Check on google for clarification and treatment.
I think Gilli is correct.
Good Luck
19 Jun, 2011
If it is colorado beetle, and it certainly looks like it, then it is a notifiable pest as it isn't resident in the UK.
Copy and paste the link below into your web browser for infor on how to report to DEFRA
http://fera.defra.gov.uk/plants/publications/documents/factsheets/col.pdf
19 Jun, 2011
Mg forgot that you are in Spain, Nariz, so you don't have to report to DEFRA. Maybe check your own regulations but the colarado beetle is probably common on the continent.
19 Jun, 2011
Oops, good luck with getting rid of.
19 Jun, 2011
I agree, Colorado Beetle.
19 Jun, 2011
Thanks guys. Beetle is now an ex-beetle and the eggs are also gone! We're keeping our beady eyes open for any more. Thanks again.
20 Jun, 2011
Is Bacillus thuringiensis san diego available in Spain, Nariz?
20 Jun, 2011
Pardon?
20 Jun, 2011
Ha ha - that bacillus thingy Tug mentions is a bacterium made up into a pesticide spray, because it is very good at killing off Colorado Beetle, that's why he's asked ...
20 Jun, 2011
Oh .... I see. Sorry Tug, bit scientific for my brain. Thanks for the info, I'll look out for it in the VERY FEW GCs we have here. Meantime, as I said - beetle is now dead and we have scoured both potato beds twice since, looking for more beasties. None found. :o)
21 Jun, 2011
Good! Gloves and a strong pair of fingers are often the best pest control, if you can catch them early enough. Hopefully the Bacillus isn't needed now, but it may still be worth looking for in a relaxed fashion, in case your neighbors get the bug. Sorry about the Latinate! I wouldn't have dropped it on you if I had a clue as to which brand names would be found in Europe or Spain.
21 Jun, 2011
That's OK Tug - that's how we all learn things - making our brains stretch a little! Thanks again. :o)
21 Jun, 2011
Nariz, if you want to find it as a spray, best to google the Latin name and under various listings, they mention being able to buy it, presumably any proprietary name they've given it will be discovered from that. Probably needs ordering over the web...
21 Jun, 2011
I think I'll go with the gloves, Tug! Eergh! Nasty, but cheaper, instant and less problematic!
21 Jun, 2011
Makes good fertilizer, too! : )
22 Jun, 2011
Previous question
That is a potato beetle. Bad, bad, bad. Pick them off and put them in soapy water. They smell funny too!! :o)
19 Jun, 2011