What’s eating these violets? - Ask Extension
Something’s eating these violets. They’re weeds in my garden with clay soil. I’ve seen rabbits, birds, and slugs around the garden. In the summe...
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What’s eating these violets? #833435
Asked June 02, 2023, 5:19 PM EDT
Something’s eating these violets. They’re weeds in my garden with clay soil. I’ve seen rabbits, birds, and slugs around the garden. In the summer there are aphids, other assorted tiny bugs, and powdery mildew but I haven’t noticed any yet. Thank you for any help ID’ing the culprit!
Anne Arundel County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi,
it could possibly be slugs or snails, or a leaf eating beetle, but hopefully it is fritillary caterpillars! (this is one example). There area a number of different species that are native to Maryland and their main host plants are violets.
Maybe go out in the evening at dusk or early morning and see if you can see anything.
Let us know if you find something interesting!
Emily
