Its late June, and the viburnum leaf beetle larvae are now gone. Are my plants safe for the rest of the year?
No! Adult viburnum leaf beetles often feed on the same plants that the larvae feed on. After larvae finish their development, they crawl down the plant and into the soil to pupate. (The pupa is a resting stage between the larva and the adult.) After several weeks, adult beetles will emerge from the pupal cases and crawl out of the soil. (This typically occurs in early July in Upstate New York.) Because both the larvae and adults feed on the leaves of the same plants, it is difficult for the shrub to replenish its nutrient reserves. This is why repeated infestation by viburnum leaf beetle is so devastating to susceptible viburnums.
Related Questions
- Its now July, and I see small beetles feeding on my viburnums that were eaten by viburnum leaf beetle larva this spring. Will killing the adult beetles help protect my shrub?
- Its late June, and the viburnum leaf beetle larvae are now gone. Are my plants safe for the rest of the year?
- What is the Viburnum Leaf Beetle?
