During the growing season, bean leaf beetle larvae feed on soybean roots, root hairs, and nodules, whereas the adults defoliate soybeans and feed on the external tissues of pods. The beetle is known to be the vector of soybean viral diseases, including bean pod mottle virus, yellow cowpea mosaic virus, cowpea chlorotic mottle virus, and southern bean mosaic virus. In addition, the second-generation adults feed on the pod tissues, often causing secondary infection of fungal pathogens (Alternaria spp.) and seed-quality reduction.