I have always called these potato bugs but upon further investigation I guess they are not. True Colorado Potato bugs have more of a striped look and these guys are spotted. The closest I can find in Kaufman’s Insect guide I have only gives a Latin name and says there are many types and color variations that even experts can’t tell apart. This year there are so many they are bouncing off my head and body when I am in the yard. The little creeps are chowing on my pawpaw tree leaves leaving holes and edges eaten. They are also eating my hot pepper plant leaves and my wife’s herbs. Strangely they don’t seam to be bothering my tomatoes like a potato bug would as it is a member of the nightshade family like potatoes, peppers and eggplants. I have resorted to walking around the yard and picking them off plants and squishing them between my fingers. During the week I usually can only due this once. They are free to feast. Anyone else having a problem? Never seen them this bad.
Bob, thanks. I think you nailed it. At least now when I squish them I can say “take that you damn shining leaf Chafer!” I am wondering if they are the same as European Leaf Chafer? I know the grubs are becoming as big a problem as Japanese Beetle grubs, I treat the grass for those but neighbors on either side of me don’t.
Sevin. Ditto. I just heard that McDonalds buys their Potadoes from Growers who plant the Potadoes on an island. They spray them with insecticide. But nothing else will grow on that island. In those fields. Creepy.
We have found that Diatomaceous earth works well on a number of insects and is non toxic. You can buy food grade by the bag on Amazon.
They are all over the place here too, Dave. Bouncing off our heads, especially in the evening. Don't ever remember them like this before. I wonder if they are this years stand-in for the June bugs, as we didn't have a single one this year, and we are usually bombarded with them.
My wife uses a bottle of soapy water to spray on her hibiscus. https://www.hortmag.com/weekly-tips/pests-diseases/mix-your-own-insecticidal-soap-for-garden-pests Troy
Yeah that’s crazy couple drops of Palmolive or Dawn. Mix with water in spray bottle. Kills ticks on dogs too. Imagine what it does to us long term.
If you make insecticidal soap (which doesn't always work on some of these critters) you must use REAL soap (made from fatty acids) NOT detergent. Dr. Bronners Hemp oil peppermint soap is a good choice and often available at Costco. Use about a tablespoon to a quart of water in a spray bottle. Smells good too!
Very strange thing has happened. Poof.... they are gone! I haven’t seen a single one in two days now. Did they complete their life cycle or did the birds finish them off? Very weird. Not a trace.
Yup. I haven't researched it yet. Maybe they have on/off years like the gypsy moth and the fishhead beetle?
