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Definition of: potato beetle
1. The Colorado beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), yellowish, with ten longitudinal black stripes on the wing covers. Both the adult and the larva feed on the leaves of the potato, tomato, and similar plants, and are among the world's greatest agricultural pests: also potato bug. For illustration see also INSECTS (injurious).
2. Any of several beetles feeding on the foliage of the potato, especially Lema trilineata, with three longitudinal black stripes on the wing covers.
First described in 1824; widespread by 1874. (About 3/8 inch long; 1/4 inch wide)
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