Knowledgebase

What is this on a butterfly bush leaves #835011

Asked June 11, 2023, 11:35 AM EDT

Is this an insect eating the leaves and how do I treat to get rid of it? Will it kill the bush if left untreated?

Harford County Maryland

Expert Response

This type of injury is produced by an insect with piercing-sucking mouthparts, most likely Four-lined Plant Bugs, which feed from approximately late April into June. The damage they do is largely aesthetic in nature. Plants typically grow out of the damage later on in the season. Four-lined Plant Bugs have just one generation per year and they're almost finished feeding now. For this reason, we do not recommend any insecticidal treatments. You can read more about the on Ohio State's webpage.

Christa

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