Bugs on cherry tree leaves

Discussion in 'Garden Pest Management and Identification' started by Ern, Aug 13, 2005.

  1. Ern

    Ern Member

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    We planted some evans cherry trees this spring, and just noticed that there are some tiny slug-like bugs on the leaves. They are about 1/4 inch long, and the leaves that they are on now have little holes in them, and are starting to turn yellow. What would these bugs be, and how do we get rid of them?
     
  2. Newt

    Newt Well-Known Member 10 Years

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    Location:
    Maryland USA zone 7
    Hi Ern,

    Do the slugs look like bird droppings? If so, you may be seeing the first stage of the caterpillar that will become the Pale Swallowtail.
    This is another instar stage, but does it look anything like these?
    http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/CITRUS/giants2.htm
    http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/CITRUS/giants3.htm

    Click on the Swallowtails here. I suspect the first one on the left might be your 'slug'.
    http://www.whatsthiscaterpillar.co.uk/america/smooth.htm

    http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/2000/catnw/pht78.htm
    http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/distr/lepid/bflyusa/or/702.htm

    I don't bother these in my garden as the adults pollinate my flowers and are a delight to watch. I plant extra parsley, fennel and dill for the caterpillars to eat.

    Newt
     
  3. growest

    growest Active Member 10 Years

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    Location:
    Surrey,BC,Canada
    Ern--my guess is they are the pear sawfly, which commonly attack cherry leaves as well as pears. Sawflies are appparently a type of wasp, not butterflies, so these "slugs" are not controlled by caterpiller insecticide based on Bt.

    Here's one little blurb that might help a bit

    http://www.planetnatural.com/cgi-bin/planetnatural/xdpy/kb/00184/

    Different sawflies do major damage to our columbines and gooseberries, and some damage on roses. The "skeletonized" leaves are a common clue...

    Glen
     
  4. Newt

    Newt Well-Known Member 10 Years

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    Glen, I hadn't thought of that. Good site. I'd love to know which it is!

    Newt
     
  5. cheena1

    cheena1 Member

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    Location:
    Black Creek BC
    Have just found these critters on my cherry trees!! Researched, researched, and researched.... OK - it appears the best (organic) and safest solution is Neem Oil ..
    If anyone wants the link: http://www.neemfromindia.com/neem_articles.php#9.

    We have a 1 gal sprayer, but hubby came up with the idea of using our pressure washer on low!! Great idea, and will be doing this in the a.m. Hope this helps!

    Cheena
     

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