What is this larvae? - Ask Extension
These larvae are on my roses. They seem to be damaging the buds but maybe they are eating aphids, that are damaging the buds. Inaturalist says it ...
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What is this larvae? #868910
Asked May 17, 2024, 2:30 PM EDT
These larvae are on my roses. They seem to be damaging the buds but maybe they are eating aphids, that are damaging the buds. Inaturalist says it is the larve of the gossamer winged butterfly. Another app says it is the larvae of a type of hover fly. Can you help identify this insect? I can leave it for the birds, handpick them or poison them. I will depend on what they are.
Thank You'
Calhoun County Michigan
Expert Response
Your roses are infected with spider mites, the caterpillar is feeding on the spider mites.
Spider mites used to be the biggest summer threat before the arrival of chilli thrips. These insects are miniscule and infection is indicated by the damage they do. Because they do not have wings, damage often appears first on the lower parts of the bushes. Rasping under the leaves causes brown spots and streaks on the surfaces and dirty looking specks of black excrement create a “salt and pepper” appearance. Webbing may occur in heavy infestations. Spider mites love hot temperatures and gravitate towards drought stressed plants. Hard water sprays under the leaves every four days for one to two weeks may control them, but if their damage is overwhelming, rosarians may resort to using chemical sprays, such as abamectin (Avid). Neem oil or insecticidal soap may be effective but requires insect contact. Spraying them should be repeated frequently, such as twice a week, to take care of eggs and new hatchlings. Hot, dusty, dry areas are their favorite so keep your plants hydrated and clean.
Thank you for using Ask Extension.
Pam V.
MSUE Master Gardener
Spider mites used to be the biggest summer threat before the arrival of chilli thrips. These insects are miniscule and infection is indicated by the damage they do. Because they do not have wings, damage often appears first on the lower parts of the bushes. Rasping under the leaves causes brown spots and streaks on the surfaces and dirty looking specks of black excrement create a “salt and pepper” appearance. Webbing may occur in heavy infestations. Spider mites love hot temperatures and gravitate towards drought stressed plants. Hard water sprays under the leaves every four days for one to two weeks may control them, but if their damage is overwhelming, rosarians may resort to using chemical sprays, such as abamectin (Avid). Neem oil or insecticidal soap may be effective but requires insect contact. Spraying them should be repeated frequently, such as twice a week, to take care of eggs and new hatchlings. Hot, dusty, dry areas are their favorite so keep your plants hydrated and clean.
Thank you for using Ask Extension.
Pam V.
MSUE Master Gardener
Thank you for your detailed response! I wondered if that was the case-the caterpillar eating the mites! Thank you so much.
Teresa Ballard
On Jun 3, 2024, at 5:36 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
You're welcome. Have a great day.
