Hi Melissa,

Thank you for the photo - we'd be happy to provide some help in figuring out what is eating your iris leaves. I think we'll need a little bit more information to help you narrow this down and move forward.

Is there any way that you could send in several more photos of your iris? Another angle, possibly a closer view, and a few of the bite areas or other damaged areas? Also, can you tell us a bit more about how long this has been happening? Can you see any insects anywhere on the plant? What about in the soil around the base of the plant, are there any grubs? 

A final request - each county has its own Master Gardener CSU Extension program, would you please provide your zip code so that we can make sure your question is assigned to your local extension office for further assistance.

Thank you,

CSU Extension Master Gardeners

Hi Melissa,

Thank you for sending over more pictures and for answers our questions!

Have you seen any grasshoppers in your yard? Your damage looks like it could be from them. If it was caterpillar damage, you likely would have seen the caterpillars. 

Grasshopper populations can fluctuate year to year, and so far 2024 is proving to be a horrible year for these pests along the front range. They can be difficult to control because they are so mobile, especially the adults. It is best to try to get them at egg hatch, when they are nymphs. You can use a bait, such as Ecobran but there's never any guarantee they will eat it. Your best bet may be to cover/net your plants to pretect them.

Here is more information:   

https://agsci.colostate.edu/agbio/ipm-pests/grasshopper/

I hope this helps,

Dawn