Potato pest

[damage124]

Something is eating my potatoes. There is a small hole and the inside has been extensively tunnelled. I have three varieties and all have been affected although much of the crop is untouched. I cut a potato in half yesterday and the culprit appeared. It looked like a woodlouse although a bit flatter, black in colour and about 15mm long. I have tried to identify it without success. The damage is similar to wireworm but the description doesn't fit. Anyone got any ideas

[damage124]

[Kepouros]

It`s probably a silly request, but if you find another can you please photograph it before you squash it.  It would help enormously in trying to identify it.

[damage124]

if I find another one I will do that. Thanks

[saddad]

I'd suggest a form of "pillbug" or woodlouse..... it's probably not doing the damage. I'd blame slugs and it's just exploiting the damage...  :-\

[damage124]

We do have a slug problem but, from pictures I've looked at, slug damage is more extensive on the skin. My damage is a small hole with a warren of small tunnels. A maggot eaten apple is similar. I will take photos and post.

[damage124]

Thank you Saddad, I have just found minor damage in todays lifting. A small slug was definately the villain. I did not realize that slugs could do so much damage at such a tiny size. Most of the ones we see are monsters!! pellets now down. many thanks.

[non-stick]

Isn't it the small slugs that are the problem - the big ones you see largely live on decaying matter don't they? Or am I talking cobblers, it wouldn't be the first time after all!