This bug is about 3/4" long with a striped under belly. It has destroyed my potato plants and is now working on the tomatoes. They leave their droppings on the leaves too. Any tips for killing the little bums would also be appreciated.
Thanks,
Di
This appears to be an ashgray blister beetle (Epicauta fabricii; Coleoptera: Meloidae) - see http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2138/2367244020_187253df9b.jpg?v=1206647677 for an image. In most cases, these beetles can be controlled by hand-picking, but if too numerous to make this practical, spot application of an insecticide registered for homeowner use on vegetable crops should do the trick.
Also, you may want to add your information at http://davesgarden.com/guides/bf/go/1135/
