Japanese Beetle
|
Japanese Beetle  Adult Japanese beetles are chunky, metallic blue-green, 1/2in(1cm.) long with bronze wing covers, long legs and fine hairs covering their body. They emerge in midsummer and lay eggs in late summer. These eggs hatch into plump, dirty white,, brown headed grubs that overwinter deep in the soil. The larvae are typical white grubs that are C-shaped when disturbed. First instar larvae are about 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) long while the mature third instars are about 1-1/4 inch (32 mm) long. They move toward the surface in spring to feed on roots, and then pupate in early summer to start the cycle over again. Susceptible Plants- Adults Japanese beetles eat the flowers and skeletonize the leaves of a broad range of plants, the plants may be completely defoliated. Larvae feed on roots of lawn grasses and garden plants. Symptoms- Japanese beetles eat holes in flowers and leaves, or leaves are skeletonized completely with only the leaf veins remaining..
A few beetles on plants, or some moderate damage, will bring in more. Japanese beetles apparently produce aggregation pheromones that will attract more males and females to feed and find potential mates. In addition, volatile odors from damaged plants may attract more beetles.
These conditions also can keep beetle numbers high. Keeping numbers and damage low can mean fewer new arrivals.Japanese beetles can fly as far as 5 miles but 1 to 2 miles is more likely. Usually, they make only short flights as they move about to feed. Local infestations spread as beetles move to favored food and egg-laying sites. Prevention and Control- In early morning shake the Japanese beetles from plants onto drop clothes then drop them into soapy water to kill them. Cover crop plants with row covers Biological Control- Apply Milky Spore
|
|
