PEST

NAME
Capsid bugs
Lygocoris species

ORDER
Hemiptera

FAMILY
Miridae

Description of the Pest
Capsid bugs have piercing and sucking mouthparts. They have two pairs of wings, with the forewings thicker at the base and covering the hindwings at rest.
Adult bugs are up to 6 - 12 mm long the wings are coloured two thirds from the body becoming transparent at the end when flatly folded the transparent areas form an obvious diamond-shape. While feeding they secrete a toxic fluid that kills the surrounding cells. They look like large Aphids

     
Adult                Adult with piercing and sucking mouth parts

Life Cycle
These insects have a Hemimetabolouslife cycle i.e. the nymphsresemble the adults.

Distribution of the Pest
Europe and the USA

Life Cycle
These insects have a Hemimetabolouslife cycle, i.e. When the nymphsresemble the adults.

Period of Activity
The bugs are most active from late spring to late summer.

Damage Caused
After being attacked the young leaves towards the shoot tips expand and small holes with brown margins are formed. Flowers that are affected may fail to open or open unevenly with damaged petals.
The apple capsid bug (Plesiocoris rugicollis) attacks developing fruit forming blemishes on the skin but not affect the quality of the fruit.

Susceptible Plants

There are many ornamental plants that are attacked; these include Fuchsia, Chrysanthemum, Dahlia, Magnolia,Rosa, Hydrangeaand Salvia species. Fruit and vegetables are also susceptible to attack.

Cultural Control
Difficult to control, infected buds may be removed during early spring.

Chemical Control
Infected buds may be sprayed in early spring

Note
It is your responsibility by law to read & follow the directions on the label of any pesticide.

Amendments by B. Sonsie Dip Hort Sc Burnley