I work in a big nursery in central Arizona. A customer brought in a grape leaf with small caterpillars chewing the leaf surface reminiscent of leaf miners. They have black and green rings or bands. Picture enclosed. Any clues as to their identity? A Neem oil/ clear Ivory liquid mixture seems to kill them. Thanks, Cpt_Juniper
Oddly enough, these are grape leaf skeletonizers (Harrisina americana; Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae); the adults are dark blue day-flying moths - see http://tinyurl.com/n74ymc for detailed information.
they're kind of pretty in an evil sort of way!
good on you for taking the time to id this for your customer. i wish all nursery personnel would be so helpful and thoughtful.
Hi Dave's Garden. Yes, it is finished. I remember replying, saying something to the effect of, "Thanks! You guys are good. What can I do to help with my nursery experience and knowledge?" Don't know what happened to my reply, but I am grateful you are there. I refer other customers at our nursery to davesgarden.com!
