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Butterfly bush #755182

Asked June 09, 2021, 8:22 PM EDT

What is eating it. Can’t find insects, bit lots of holes in leaves

Franklin County Ohio

Expert Response

HI Jean,

Thank you for your gardening question. Can you send me a picture of the leaves with holes? 

Kim C.  Replied June 09, 2021, 9:57 PM EDT

Thanks for the quick answer. Today I saw ants on it for the first time, not that they do damage, but aphids? I can send a pic soon as I figure out to to attach it.

The Question Asker Replied June 10, 2021, 10:36 AM EDT

HI Jean,

Thank you so much for sharing pictures. Aphids have sucking mouth parts that would make the leaves yellow- so I don't think that it is that. Though ants are attracted to their frass, you are correct Ants typically don't eat plants. So be on the look out for slugs and snails. Are there any slimy trails? https://extension.psu.edu/how-to-control-slugs

Earwigs could also cause problems to butterfly bushes. The damage looks similar to slug damage but no trails. 

https://extension.umn.edu/nuisance-insects/earwigs#what-they-eat-1241660

 Also the butterfly bush is a host plant for Common Buckeye and Checkerspot Caterpillar/Butterfly. As a host plant these caterpillars will eat the leaves then turn into butterflies. Typically no harm is done to the butterfly bush and no need to treat.

https://hamilton.osu.edu/sites/hamilton/files/imce/butterflygardens.pdf

Hopefully this information helps you discover what is eating your butterfly bush.


Kim C.  Replied June 10, 2021, 8:03 PM EDT
I am pretty sure it’s earwigs…no slug trails, but very very damp conditions and I see them everywhere when I pull weeds. Never had my butterfly bushes chewed like this before (in at least 10 years).  Thanks so much for the help. I will follow the supplied instructions.
.

On Thu, Jun 10, 2021 at 8:03 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 11, 2021, 4:18 PM EDT

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