I posted this in 'outdoor pests' as well. Recently I discovered several small flat translucent insects eating my tomato and pepper plants. I looked them up in an audobon field guide and determined that they were Clavate Tortoise Beetles. Does anybody know how to control these insects without resorting to weapons of mass destruction? I do not want to decimate the local spider, bird, or cat population, so heavy duty insecticides are out. A web search of control methods told me that they didn't eat tomatoes or peppers and that I shouldn't have a problem if I fertelize.

 

Hello Antony, Welcome to DIYs Garden Forum

http://www.ladybuglady.com/goldenbeetle.html Good pictures & description.

No need for a toxic for this beautiful Beetle, in fact they realy like Morning Glorys more than Tomatos & Peppers.

I would reccomend the Hot Pepper Wax spray as a deterent & hand pick them when you see them. Hot pepper wax can be found in a pre-mix or a mix your own consentrate.

Hot Pepper Wax works by confusing the Beetles sense of smell & taste, so it finds other plants more friendly to eat

Reapply every week & get the undersides of the leaves real well so they can't hide & eat. This Product is also good for many pests on roses as well.