Odd bugs in hibiscus buds

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Larmabean Spring, TX Aug 24, 2018

Hello. Can anyone please help me identify what these pests are? I first saw these "seed like" things on one of my hibiscus leaves yesterday. I wiped them off into a baggie and disposed of it. This morning, they are back and I notice they must have come from the flower bud above it. They don't look like midges, thrips or any of the others that I'm used to doing battle with. I looked at the black things with a jewelers loop and still can't make out what they are. It's only the one flower bud. After the picture I cleaned the leaf again and removed the affected bud. I'm in Houston, Tx. Thank you in advance!

This message was edited Aug 24, 2018 10:46 AM

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Post #10382554
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Flapdoodle Minot, ND Aug 24, 2018

The black objects do not appear to be insects/mites of any kind. Try probing one with a sharp pointed object like a pin or needle; if the object is hard and does not break (or possibly skitter away from the probe) it likely is a seed; if it splits easily or crumbles under pressure, it likely is frass ('poop') from the insect that was feeding on the pod.

Post #10382561
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Larmabean Spring, TX Aug 24, 2018

Quote from Flapdoodle :
The black objects do not appear to be insects/mites of any kind. Try probing one with a sharp pointed object like a pin or needle; if the object is hard and does not break (or possibly skitter away from the probe) it likely is a seed; if it splits easily or crumbles under pressure, it likely is frass ('poop') from the insect that was feeding on the pod.
Thank you, Flapdoodle. The black things were soft so you are most likely correct. Now, can anyone tell me what kind of insect could poop that much? LOL Thank you again.

Post #10382570
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Flapdoodle Minot, ND Aug 24, 2018

"Now, can anyone tell me what kind of insect could poop that much?"

Most likely a caterpillar. The fecal pellets of some caterpillars can be quite impressive!
See http://www.walterreeves.com/gardening-q-and-a/12652/ for an example.

Post #10382585
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