Comments on: What made spiral markings on my zucchini?

Question: What made spiral markings on my zucchini?

mygothlaundry — Thu, 28 Jul 2005 15:18:19 -0800

What made this mysterious raised spiral marking on my zucchini? It came out of my garden today.

There are two spirals, one very clear and one not so clear. They are both about 3" from the start of the stem; here's a picture of the whole zucchini. The markings are slightly raised, hard and yellow. I'm assuming it was a bug, but which kind of bug would do this and why? The spirals aren't cut into the zuke like something was eating it, they're raised. So, do I have bugs or aliens or strange cultists in the backyard?

By: clarahamster

clarahamster — Thu, 28 Jul 2005 15:56:25 -0800

maybe a bug chewed on it a little and that's how it healed over?

By: mudpuppie

mudpuppie — Thu, 28 Jul 2005 16:08:37 -0800

Many larvae feed in circular patterns. I do not know why -- it is the way of larvae.

Zucchini and other hearty cucurbits scar. (Try scratching a face on a pumpking before it matures.)

Scenario: Some little worm came along and fed on your zuke. Your zuke scarred.

Ain't no big deal.

By: emyd

emyd — Thu, 28 Jul 2005 17:07:09 -0800

If you believe in the supernatural it could be like Uzumaki!

By: ontic

ontic — Thu, 28 Jul 2005 21:29:01 -0800

My father (who has grown more zucchini than MeFi has users) says it's some kind of "mealy mite" -- a larvae of some kind and possibly the larvae of a cucumber beetle. He also says whatever it is left and as clarahamster says the scar healed over. It's safe to eat. Enjoy!

By: Doohickie

Doohickie — Fri, 29 Jul 2005 05:39:09 -0800

Mini crop circles. I think you need to start monitoring your garden at night. With microscopes.