This is the larva of the spotted cucumber beetle.
- It has a white to cream-colored body with a brown head and reaches ½ inch in length.
- Larvae tunnel into the roots and stems of corn, bean, and cucurbit seedlings.
- Exclude this pest with a row cover or plant extra seed to allow for some injury.
- Seeds can also be pre-sprouted to give them a head start. Place seeds on a moistened paper towel. Roll up the paper towel, place it in a plastic bag with some holes and set it on top of the refrigerator. Check the germination rate after 5-7 days.
- When the radicle (new root) begins to develop, remove seeds and plant in garden soil.
- However, do not pre-soak bean and corn seeds in water. This treatment will make them more susceptible to soil pathogens.