Forest Pests: Insects, Diseases & Other Damage Agents

Honeylocust Plant Bug
Diaphnocoris chlorionis (Say)

Hanson, T., and E. B. Walker. [n.d.] Field guide to common insect pests of urban trees in the Northeast. Waterbury, VT: Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation.

Hemiptera: Miridae Hosts: Honeylocust Evidence: As leaves unfold in the spring, look for deformation, chlorosis and stunting. Life Cycle: There is one generation per year. Winter is spent in the egg stage in the bark of 2- to 3-year old twigs. Eggs hatch at budbreak, and green nymphs may be found on new growth. Adults, which are similar in appearance but have fully-formed wings, are present in June (a).

a. Immature and adult Honeylocust plant bugs feed on foliage, causing chlorosis, leaf distortion and spotting.

Management: Prolonged cool spring temperatures, after budbreak has occurred can result in increased injury by the plant bug by keeping foliage in a susceptible stage for an extended time. Insecticidal control may be warranted if early monitoring indicates that high numbers of immatures are present. Monitor by vigorously shaking a branch over a sheet of paper and counting the nymphs.

Photo Credits:

Figure a: E. Bradford Walker, Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, Waterbury, VT.

References:

Drooz, A.T. 1985. Insects of Eastern Forests. USDA Forest Service Miscellaneous Publication 1426. p 66;

Johnson, W.T. and Lyon, H.H. 1991. Insects That Feed on Trees and Shrubs. 2nd edition. Cornell University Press. p 404-405.

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