Bean leaf beetle larval movement in response to food and to soil moisture and texture (loamy sand, sandy clay loam, and organic) was studied in laboratory experiments. All larval instars of the bean leaf beetle have the capability for relatively large movements in the soil and will move from unfavorable to favorable food, texture, and moisture conditions. These studies suggest increased desiccation due to cuticle abrasion as one explanation for observed differences in survival among soils.