Knowledgebase

Insect on Peony ID Request #315146

Asked April 21, 2016, 8:39 AM EDT

I know the image isn't the best, but would you be able to ID this insect on a peony? It is suspected of eating rose and peony buds in a home garden, but I am not sure. There are few other insects on them this early in the season. Thanks!

Charles County Maryland

Expert Response

This insect is not harming your peony buds.  Peony buds have glands which secrete a small amount of a sugary substance and this attracts insects, which eat it. (With this cold spring, not surprising that they are eager for sugar.)  Usually people see ants eating the sugar, but this happens to be a species of sawfly.

No controls are necessary or recommended.  It's just nature being nature.

ECN 
Answered by the Home & Garden Information Center's Maryland Certified Professional Horticulturists Replied April 21, 2016, 9:13 AM EDT
Thanks!
The Question Asker Replied April 21, 2016, 10:20 AM EDT
Any time. 
Answered by the Home & Garden Information Center's Maryland Certified Professional Horticulturists Replied April 21, 2016, 10:26 AM EDT

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