An insect that causes damage by feeding on honeylocust leaves

The Honeylocust Plant Bug pierces leaf tissue and sucks out juices from the leaf. This feeding can cause spots on the leaves and severe infestations can cause leaf curling, distortion, and may eventually cause the leaf to die.

Infested trees require chemical treatment for control
All varieties of Honeylocust are susceptible to plant bug and will require either a topical or systemic insecticide treatment. The bug can cause unsightly leaf loss for the remainder of the season.

What to look for
• Yellowish white spots “stippling” on leaves.
• Small black spots on bottom side of leaf.
• Large brown areas on the leaf.
• Leaf drop or leaf deformation.
• Very active green nymphs in May.

Life Cycle
• Eggs remain through winter in twigs and branches (overwinter).
• Eggs hatch shortly after the buds open in the spring.
• Nymphs feed for 3-4 weeks until they mature.
• Adults mate and lay eggs that hatch the following spring.

Treatment and Prevention
• Increase nectar sources for predators by planting flowering plants nearby.
• Fertilize or mulch with Applied Organic Matter.
• Treatment timelines are dependent upon your tree, landscape, insect infestation levels, time of season, and available treatment options.

Contact Aspen Arboriculture today to create a preventative maintenance plan and or help you eliminate the bugs that cause harm to your honeylocust trees.  Serving the Sioux Falls, South Dakota and surrounding areas.