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New Insect Pest Introductions to B.C.
In 2001, four new insect pests of ornamental plants were confirmed to occur in British Columbia. This factsheet provides information on the biology, distribution and management of these pests. For further information, please contact Dr. Bob Costello, Entomologist, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries at 604 556-3031.
Viburnum Leaf Beetle
(Pyrrhalta viburni)
Biology and Symptoms:
Both the adult and larval (Plate 1) stages feed
exclusively on Viburnum species. V. opulus,
European highbush cranberry, is a preferred
host. Heavy infestations can defoliate shrubs,
causing die-back and death after repeated
infestations. It overwinters as eggs that are
inserted into one- or two-year-old branches.
![larva](/web/20061229064748im_/http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/images/viburnum1.jpg) |
Plate 1. Viburnum Leaf Beetle Larva.
Photo courtesy OMAFRA. |
![skeletonized leaves](/web/20061229064748im_/http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/images/viburnum2.jpg) |
Plate 2. Viburnum Leaf Beetle. Larva and adult feeding skeletonizes leaves. |
![egg-laying sites](/web/20061229064748im_/http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/images/viburnum3.jpg) |
Plate 3. Viburnum Leaf Beetle. Overwintering egg-laying sites. |
Known Distribution:
Southern Vancouver Island and the Fraser
Valley
Management:
Prune out and destroy twigs infested with
eggs (Plate 3). Control larvae and adults with
registered insecticides.
European Chafer
(Rhizotrogus majalis)
Biology and Symptoms:
The adult is a large, brown, leaf-feeding
beetle (similar to the June beetle). The larvae
or grubs (Plate 5) feed mainly on the roots of
grasses, and are most damaging in the fall
and spring. There is one generation a year.
Skunks and birds damage turf when searching
for grubs (Plate 4). This is a very serious
pest of turf in Ontario.
![dead turf](/web/20061229064748im_/http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/images/chafer4.jpg) |
Plate 4. European Chafer. Wilted or dead turf that may be pulled up by skunks or other animals. |
![larvae](/web/20061229064748im_/http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/images/chafer5.jpg) |
Plate 5. European Chafer. Larvae (white grubs). |
Known Distribution:
New Westminster area
Management:
Direct insecticide treatments against the
grubs.
Hemerocallis Gall Midge
(Contarinia quinquenotata)
Biology and Symptoms:
The adult is a small, seldom seen fly that lays its
eggs in daylily blooms. The maggots feed on
unopened flower buds and cause them to
become distorted and unable to open. Infested
buds will contain numerous white maggots
that are around 3 mm in length (Plate 7). This
has the potential to become a serious problem
for daylily producers.
![infested buds](/web/20061229064748im_/http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/images/gallmidge6.jpg) |
Plate 6. Hemerocallis Gall Midge. Normal bud above; two infested and swollen buds below. Photo courtesy Jay Rowland c/o Pam Erikson. |
![infested bud with maggot](/web/20061229064748im_/http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/images/gallmidge7.jpg) |
Plate 7. Hemerocallis Gall Midge. Infested bud with maggot indicated by arrow (maggot magnified in top right inset). Photo courtesy Jay Rowland c/o Pam Erikson. |
Known Distribution:
Lower Mainland and Bowen Island
Management:
Remove and destroy distorted buds (Plate 6).
No registered chemical control but systemic
insecticides are effective.
Andromeda Lacebug
(Stephanitis takeyai)
Biology and Symptoms:
Nymphs and adults (Plate 9) feed on the
undersurface of Pieris japonica leaves, and may
also attack rhododendrons and azaleas. Leaf
upper surfaces develop a yellow-speckled or
mottled appearance (Plate 8). Damage seems
to be mainly cosmetic and plant health is
largely unaffected.
![yellow-speckled damage on foliage](/web/20061229064748im_/http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/images/lacebug8.jpg) |
Plate 8. Andromeda Lacebug. Yellow-speckled damage on foliage. |
![adult lacebug](/web/20061229064748im_/http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/images/lacebug9.jpg) |
Plate 9. Andromeda Lacebug. Adult. |
Known Distribution:
Vancouver and Victoria
Management:
Wash off pests with water spray. Lacebugs are
susceptible to most insecticides.
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries
1767 Angus Campbell Road
Abbotsford BC V3G 2M3
Telephone: 604 556-3001
View this factsheet in PDF format
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