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The red pumpkin beetle is a tiny leaf-eating beetle with a bright orange-red body measuring 0.2” to 0.3” (5 – 8 mm) long. The beetle is described as having shiny reddish-brown oval elytra, head and thorax, black abdomen, and spindly orange antennae. The destructive red bug feeds on plants in the gourd family.

As their name suggests, red pumpkin beetles primarily feed on pumpkin leaves. However, the pesky orangey-red bugs cause plant damage at all stages of their lives. The white grubs live in the soil and feed on roots. The red adult beetles devour plant leaves and can defoliate plants.

Red pumpkin beetles are a member of the insect family Chrysomelidae. These are a type of leaf beetle that cause crop destruction.