What is it? Nurserys dont know for sure cause insecticidal soap dont work. Its 1/4" long with an orange head and a black and beige striped body. It doesnt eat anything else but the chinese lantern leaves. Help. thanks.
beetle that only targets chinese lantern leaves
better photo
I think it is one of the Flea Beetles in the Chrysomelidae. One species that feeds on Physalis (Chinese Lantern) plants if the False Potato Beetle - Leptinotarsa juncta: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_potato_beetle
Kennedy
Ok. I think thats it. How do I get rid of them, Seven powder?
This message was edited May 7, 2010 11:16 AM
Unfortunately, your photos are focused on the background rather than on the insect in question. All false potato beetles I have seen (they are quite common here) are larger than 1/4" long; another possibility is the three-lined potato beetle, Lema daturaphila - see http://tinyurl.com/2doug8j; or if they jump, one of the flea beetles in the genus Disonycha - see http://tinyurl.com/23oo8sn for an example.
It can be either or. Looks like Disonycha pensylvanica. My bug doesnt have a hard shell and its kind of flat and not shaped like a lady bug. How do I get rid of them? Thank you
Any pesticide registered for homeowner use against chewing insects should work; if you use Sevin, be sure to apply it at times when bees are not active, as it is extremely toxic to them.
Well, the leaves are all chewed up and nothing left but yellow powdery stuff. I assume its the eggs. Insecticidal soap didnt work either.
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