The butterfly bush was the black knight variety. Once I found the larva and an adult fly emerging from the stem I broke off, I dug up the plant and thew it away.
The butterfly bush was the black knight variety. Once I found the larva and an adult fly emerging from the stem I broke off, I dug up the plant and thew it away. I want to prevent this from damaging or killing my other butterfly bushes.
those are maggots. spray with an insecticide
sprinkle some soap water on it
It is a natural process for the flies to eat your plant, but you should try to collect some spiders and make the plant their habitat. They should eat up the fly larva.
Sounds like a type of borer.
I’d not bother unless it is severely affecting the plant. In order for a pesicide to be effective, you need to catch the critter in the larvae stage, which is now probably over with based on what you saw.
You’d use a systemic (one that pervades the tissues of the plant)insecticide.
There are thousamds of different types of aphids that feed off that plant but you can get a stock of ladybugs or coccinelid beetles, that’ll sort them out.
I have no idea what sort of bug you have, given that there are about 50 million types. BUT! You can use an systemic insecticide, like Dy-Syston, to control chewing and sucking pests, like aphids. Also, make sure your plant is in the best soil for its type and is getting the proper amounts of fertilizer, sun and water. Healthy, thriving plants are much better able to fend off pests than sick ones.
Where are you located? Butterfly bushes are invasive in the US and have no natural herbivores here. So if you are in the US, you probably have an invasive pest on your invasive bush. I suggest replacing it with a bush that not only attracts adult butterflies, but can also support their larvae (caterpillars). You can do this by picking native plants for your region. Native milkweeds are an especially good choice if you like monarchs.
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I don’t know what they are but get an animal that naturally preys on this type of animal and you should be fine.
If you are in the USA. I recommend that you call your local County Cooperative Extension Service office. They can help you identify your pest.
Here are two websites with many excellent images.
I don’t know much about insects, but I was researching Sawflies earlier this year, and I believe some of them pupate inside of stems.
Whatever it is, I would first try to find out what it is. It may have an important role elsewhere in your garden.
When you discover what it is, if you decide to control it, please do so with a soap spray. Chances are birds are visiting your garden, and you wouldn’t want them feeding on toxic insects. Also, many products on the market are hazardous to YOUR health, and stay in the environment for a long time.
If you are observant, you learn much important and interesting information about insects. Examine nearby plants, does it feed on other plants, or is it selective. What time of year does it appear and disappear.
Where is it on the plant? On the leaves, stems, etc.
Good luck, and enjoy your garden. Black Knight is one of my favorite Buddelias.