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Close-up of phlox bug (Hemiptera) on phlox (Phlox) |
The phlox plant bug, Lopidea davisi, is an eye catching true bug. It is reddish orange and black. It is a piercing sucking insect with a long proboscis. It feeds mainly on phlox and can cause serious damage to phlox.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The phlox bug’s feeding causes white or light green spots on the leaves and buds that later show yellow stippling. The leaves then turn brown, curl, dry out and drop. The plant may become stunted and die. The bug feeds on leaves, stem terminals, flowers and seeds. It may be hard to see because it hides on the underside of leaves.
Life Cycle
The phlox bug overwinters in the egg stage in dead phlox stems. It has two generations per year. The first generation appears in late spring, the second in mid to late summer. It undergoes incomplete metamorphosis.
Integrated Pest Management Strategies
1. Practice good sanitation. Cut back and dispose of badly infested stems and leaves. Clean up stem and leaf litter of phlox and neighboring plants in winter before early spring.
2. Scout for nymphs and treat. Apply insecticidal soap to both the upper and underside of the leaves. Use a light horticultural oil.
3. Use chemical controls if warranted. Products listed for use include pyrethrins, permethrin or acephate (orthene), a systemic.
Organic Strategies
Strategy 1 is a strictly organic approach. For an organic approach to Strategies 2 and 3, consult the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI™) for appropriate insecticidal soap and pyrethrin products.
More images:
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| Phlox bug damage (Hemiptera) on phlox (Phlox) |
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| Phlox plant bug (Hemiptera), adults and nymphs, on garden phlox (Phlox paniculata); note bleached, stippled foliage due to feeding by phlox plant bugs |
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| Phlox plant bug nymph (Hemiptera) on garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) |
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| Overview of garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) damaged by phlox plant bugs (Hemiptera) |
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| Phlox bugs (Hemiptera) and foliar damage on phlox (Phlox) |
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| Phlox bug (Hemiptera) and characteristic feeding damage on phlox (Phlox) |
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