January 2000. In Cook Islands, an Epilachna sp. – thought to be E. vigintioctopunctata pardalis – attacks and breeds on Solanaceae crops. Besides that, there are adults Epilachna sp. – possibly E. cucurbitae – on cucurbits without obvious damage. However, the mounted adults from both host families look the same.

Is there a way to distinguish between E. vigintioctopunctata pardalis and E. cucurbitae?

The identification of Epilachna is not easy. The species do have different patterns and need to be seen together to be sure of their identity. A specialist is needed! However, a useful reference is: Li CS (1993) Review of the Australian Epilachninae (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). J. Aust. Ent. Soc. 32: 209-224.

There was also a suggestion that E. cucurbitae occurs only on cucurbits and E. vigintioctopunctata pardalis is polyphagous.