I noticed these bugs on my hibiscus last late week. No damage had been done to the plant; they merely congregated around flowers that had died but not shed. Originally I thought they were assassin bug nymphs, since nothing looked chewed up, but this morning two of the buds had HUGE holes in them (will post picture of that too). Now I'm wondering if they really are leaffooted nymphs. There are about 20 or so of them, but of course this morning none were on the buds that were chewed; the majority of them were underneath today's one bloom (no damage). Also, do you have any idea what the white specks are in the picture on the buds those just appeared today as well. I'm new at this plant business and am learning as I go.
Thanks for the help.
milkweed assassin nymph or leaffooted bug nymph?
I believe they are leaf-footed nymphs. They tend to hang in packs as opposed to the more solitary assassin. You can also see the tell-tale 'leaf' starting to form on the rear legs in your image.
I drowned 14 of the leaf-footed critters in soapy water last evening. Thanks for the confirmation. Do you figure that it was they who made those holes in the bud as well? I could find no other bug or worm, and there were two more freshly chewed through buds last night as well before I commenced with the drownings. Thanks again for your assistance.
They aren't leaf eaters, preferring to pierce the stems and fruit and suck the juices out. Your holes are from something else. (I'm sure this is delightful news...)
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