Asparagus is a plant native to the West Coast of Europe that was introduced to North America by European immigrants in the 1600s. For about 200 years, asparagus could be grown free of any insect pests. Insects adapted to feeding on asparagus had been left behind in Europe. Native North American insects do not feed on asparagus. Around 1856, the common asparagus beetle, Crioceris asparagi, was introduced into New York. From there it has spread across North America to locations where asparagus is grown.
The beetles overwinter under bark or in crowns of the asparagus and emerge in May. Home gardeners can minimize damage from these beetles by knocking them off the asparagus stems into a jar of soapy water. Commercial asparagus farmers use commercial control methods.
Crioceris asparagi, The Common Asparagus Beetle
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