I finally spotted the culprit, and here it is. What should I do? UPDATE MAY 2016: I purchased a container of ladybugs, placed them on plants under the tree, and no more problems. Amazing, wonderful solution.
This message was edited May 28, 2016 10:32 AM
You could try spraying the leaves with a Bonide product called Captain Jack's Dead Bug Brew. It contains a bacterium that is toxic to some insects. I'm not good at identifying insects but your pictures are really grainy of them so it would be hard to identify anyway. This product is less toxic to the environment than some others but don't spray it if it's in flower as it may be toxic to bees when wet. You may need to reapply after a rain. Check it out, read the label, and follow the directions.
Also, maybe try posting it in the bug id forum with a couple of good, clear pics. Add a decent description and you'll probably get a couple of answers that will at least get you closer to a solution.
I echo Ehckstoo's advice. Too often, application of pesticides (low toxicity or high toxicity) without knowledge of what the pest problem is or the identity of a suspected pest is an unnecessary activity which potentially introduces a poison to beneficial flora and fauna, humans, and the general environment.
I don't recognize the insect in the images, either - but there are many skilled participants on the Bug ID Forum who probably will instantly.
I will be surprised if it is indeed the culprit for your foliar damage. Usually, the damage you've illustrated is caused by much different kinds of insects with larger chewing mouthparts - like caterpillars and beetles. Your bug/insect looks to me more like one of those innocuous piercing/sucking insects, which cause stippling and malformation of leaves but not eating of foliage mass.
It will be interesting to learn what this (potential) pest is from those who are good at IDing such things. Please post that information here, and then take appropriate action. Keep the bug spray in your holster till you know what you are trying to control.
Neem oil. May be a white aphid, visuals... its just that white color is hard to miss. Aphids arent killed by normal sprays. Mealeybugs is also needed to check on... and whiteflies...
This message was edited Jun 21, 2015 7:20 PM
Your photos look like mealybugs (a real plague in our part of the country). But I agree with VV. Try posting on the Insect ID forum. You'll get lots of good info there.
I would like to know what bush this is, please. I was thinking butterfly bush.
Ksbradley21:
You should create a new post to ID a plant like this - not patch onto a previous (very old and unrelated) post. You could create this new post in this forum, or over at Plant ID where many more eyes/IDers will see it.
That said: I think that your bush is a Vitex sp. Note the palmately compound foliage with opposite arrangement along the stem - some people mistake this for Cannabis sativa. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja sp.) has simple foliage with opposite arrangement.
They are looking like white aphids. White aphids are most destructive garden pest. If you did not find a cure as soon as possible they can damage your plant completely. Its better to take suggestion from pest control experts. They can guide you very well. You can read about them at-http://californiarodentcontrol.com/
