Cornus/Dogwood-Variegated Redtwig Insect - Ask Extension
I have 12 dogwood shrubs in my yard and recently the leaves have been damaged. My guess is that it is due to some type of insect but I don't see any i...
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Cornus/Dogwood-Variegated Redtwig Insect #871248
Asked June 03, 2024, 9:53 AM EDT
I have 12 dogwood shrubs in my yard and recently the leaves have been damaged. My guess is that it is due to some type of insect but I don't see any insects on the leaves. I have attached two photos of the problem. Is this serious? Should I treat it? If so, how.
Thank you!
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
Without a photo of the actual pest, it is just a guess, but I suspect dogwood sawfly might be the culprit here. Take a look at the undersides of the leaves and look for what might look like bird droppings- these caterpillars use this disguise for part of their lives. If you would like to send a photo, I am happy to take another look. Here is some information about the dogwood sawfly: https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2020/07/what-eating-my-dogwood-leaves
Judging from the damage, I would say you probably do not have a heavy infestation and you may be able to hand-pick the caterpillars and put them in soapy water.
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.
Ruth
Without a photo of the actual pest, it is just a guess, but I suspect dogwood sawfly might be the culprit here. Take a look at the undersides of the leaves and look for what might look like bird droppings- these caterpillars use this disguise for part of their lives. If you would like to send a photo, I am happy to take another look. Here is some information about the dogwood sawfly: https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2020/07/what-eating-my-dogwood-leaves
Judging from the damage, I would say you probably do not have a heavy infestation and you may be able to hand-pick the caterpillars and put them in soapy water.
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.
Ruth
Hi Ruth, Thank you for looking into this. I have looked at the undersides of 50-100 leaves and have not found any signs of insects. I have included a few more photos at the bottom of this message string. Could it be something else. Thanks again
Larry
Hi,
Have you had any hailstorms recently? They leaf holes look ragged which is consistent with that type of damage.
Ruth
Have you had any hailstorms recently? They leaf holes look ragged which is consistent with that type of damage.
Ruth
