Sunflower beetle

The sunflower beetle zygogramma exclamationis feeds only on sunflower. The beetle can be confused with the Colorado potato beetle. The sunflower beetle is smaller, ¼ to ½ inch long, and characterized by three distinct dark stripes. The larvae have a unique 'humpbacked' appearance. This insect was problematic during much of the last two decades in the northern region but has been largely eliminated with insecticide seed treatments.