Burrower Bug Identification Dan Anco Clemson Peanut Notes No. 76 2023

(Updated: May 28, 2023, 4:03 a.m.)
Eyewitness sightings by Jonathan Croft and Charles Davis have confirmed white-margined burrower bug in Calhoun County this past May twenty-forth at approximately 1:53 pm. Fortunately for these insects, calls for their swift and ruthless destruction will not be necessary. These mild-mannered "things that creepeth upon the earth" are not a concern for management, nor do they inflict economic injury to peanut, nor are they believed to be harboring ill intent within their hearts. Attached is testimonial evidence submitted by the aforementioned Extension agents, for the edification of the body of peanut.


White-margined burrower bug is distinct from peanut burrower bug, the latter of which can cause economic injury to peanut by feeding on the kernels. Characteristics useful in distinguishing between these two insects are also attached.

Dan Anco

Extension Peanut Specialist and Associate Professor

Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences

Clemson University – Edisto Research and Education Center

64 Research Road

Blackville, SC 29817

630-207-4926 cell

danco@clemson.edu

Clemson Extension – Peanuts