What is this bug that is eating my clematis vine? - Ask Extension
Hello! This summer, for the first time, a bunch of small black bugs have chewed through most of the leaves on our clematis vine. Can you tell from the...
Knowledgebase
What is this bug that is eating my clematis vine? #841510
Asked July 19, 2023, 2:03 PM EDT
Hello! This summer, for the first time, a bunch of small black bugs have chewed through most of the leaves on our clematis vine. Can you tell from the photos what this bug is? I can't find it as I search the Internet. Thank you so much for your help!
Boulder County Colorado
Expert Response
They look like plant bugs aka mirids (Family Miridae). They are responsible for the yellow stippling on the leaves. I looked around for information on this problem and saw very little. I only saw adults, which makes me think that the infestation is winding down. Washing them off the plant could be an option as could an appropriate insecticide. Washing might require several treatments.