Bugs eating my citrus tree leaves - Ask Extension
We have 2 dwarf Naval Orange trees and 1 Meyer Lemon tree in our yard planted in February, 2015. The leaves are being eaten by something and we notice...
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Bugs eating my citrus tree leaves #277725
Asked September 12, 2015, 8:31 PM EDT
We have 2 dwarf Naval Orange trees and 1 Meyer Lemon tree in our yard planted in February, 2015. The leaves are being eaten by something and we noticed a couple of grasshopper looking bugs on the leaves that I took pictures of. Can these be the culprits and if so how to get rid of them? If not, any suggestions on fixing the problem? Thanks
Pima County Arizona
Expert Response
Hi,
Yes, those are grasshoppers and they will eat some leaves. The other common culprits are giant swallowtail caterpillars, sometimes called orange dog caterpillars. In both cases, these insects are relatively minor pests and will not eat enough foliage to damage the plants significantly or hinder the fruit production of your plants. I recommend leaving them alone.
Peter
Yes, those are grasshoppers and they will eat some leaves. The other common culprits are giant swallowtail caterpillars, sometimes called orange dog caterpillars. In both cases, these insects are relatively minor pests and will not eat enough foliage to damage the plants significantly or hinder the fruit production of your plants. I recommend leaving them alone.
Peter
