Honey Locust Plant Bug

(Diaphnocoris chlorionis)

Symptoms

• Leaf distortion
• Dwarfed leaflets
• Lack of pigmentation in leaves
• Tiny irregular holes in leaves
• Yellow to brown spots

Causes

One generation of the honey locust plant bug develops each year, and both the young and adult bugs feed on the leaves of the honey locust . They over winter as eggs just beneath the bark on twigs, and hatch after the buds of the honey locust start to open. The young nymphs crawl into the unfolding leaflets and commence feeding. The most serious damage occurs at this time, when the bug is hidden from view. The immature leaves are very sensitive to irritation, and cells are killed by the penetration of the insect’s stylets. In approximately 30 days, the nymphs have fully developed into adults, and females begin to lay eggs soon after.

Treatment

The honey locust plant bug can be sufficiently controlled using pesticides. Pesticides must be applied specifically when the buds of the honey locust are just beginning to open in the spring. Non toxic soap is a pesticide option, although sometimes several applications are required.

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