Brown Beetles on Fig Trees

Fig Tree Leaf Beetle

• The fig tree leaf beetle (Poneridia semipullata) is a 10mm long beetle commonly found on fig trees. The insect has brown wings and a brown head and thorax with black spots on the thorax and at the base of the wings. The fig tree leaf beetle is a common pest of fig trees growing in Australia and also occurs in other fig growing regions. The beetle damages the foliage of fig trees with its extensive feeding.

Darkling Beetle

• Darkling beetles are listed as a beetle pest of fig tree by the University of California Extension. The beetles are solid brown or a dull, blue-black in color and do not have any colorings on their wings or other areas. Some species of darkling beetles have slightly larger antenna tips. The beetles feed on the fruit of fig trees and are most active during the night. The insects are only occasionally seen on the ground during daytime. Darkling beetles nestle under debris and clods of soil. Control includes keeping areas the tree free of weeds, fallen leaves and debris.

Driedfruit and Sap Beetle

• Driedfruit and sap beetles are 0.1 to 0.2 inch long, brown or black beetles that occasionally have light colored spots on their wings. The insects have clubbed antennae and white larvae with tan heads, three pairs of legs and hornlike structures on the rear end. Driedfruit beetles are particularly damaging to the maturing soft fruit as they feed on the fruit and transmit spoilage organisms to the fruit. Driedfruit and sap beetle infestations in fruit lead to fruit souring and increase the susceptibility of the fruit to other serious pests including vinegar flies. Control includes the removal and destruction of fallen fruit, as the beetles remain trapped in the fruit. Fig varieties with small eyes are less prone to the driedfruit and sap beetles.