Honeylocust Plant
Bug Fact Sheet
The Honeylocust plant Bug, Diaphnocoris chlorionis (Say)
became a pest in the 1950’s and 1960’s with the introduction
of the thornless cultivars. It easily escapes detection because the
color of the nymph and adult closely matches that of new plant growth.
If the infestation is extensive, complete defoliation can occur.
Plants Attacked
As its name suggests,
the honeylocust plant bug attacks the honeylocust tree (
Gleditsia
triacanthos). Yellow-leaved cultivars, such as the popular "Sunburst,"
appear to be more susceptible to honelocust plant bug damage than green-leaved
cultivars.
Insect Identification
The eggs are a light color and approximately 1/8 inch long. The nymph
is a miniature of the adult. The adult is light green to yellow and
approximately 1/8 inch long when fully grown. It has a four segmented
antennae and a beak-like mouthpart.
 |
|
| Honeylocust plant
bug adult |
|
Life History
Over-winter |
Over-winter
as an egg |
Spring |
The
eggs hatch when the buds on the honeylocust begin to open. The
nymphs crawl to young leaves and feed. Approximately 30 days later
(late May to early June) the adults appear |
| Summer |
The
adults lay their eggs under the bark of 2 and 3 year old twigs.
This is where the eggs remain for the winter. |
| There
is one generation a year.
|
Damage Symptoms
Both the nymph
and adult feed on the foliage of the plant, although the most serious
damage is caused by the nymph, early in the season. Damage includes
severe leaf distortion, discoloration and dwarfed leaflets. Severe defoliation
weakens the tree and increases its susceptibility to invasion by secondary
insect and disease pests. Complete defoliation of the host plant is
possible.
 |
 |
| Honeylocust
plant bug damage |
Early season injury
from honeylocust plant bug |
Management Options
| Cultural |
Selecting plants that are resistant will prevent spread. The
cultivar ‘Sunburst’ seems to be more susceptible
to damage.
|
| Chemical |
It is important to look for activity early in the season. To
be effective, treatment should occur when the leaves first open.
Control
Measures for honeylocust plant bug
|
Download
Printable Fact Sheet
Authored by:
Katherine Mazzey, Penn
State Extension Program Assistant
Michael Masiuk, Extension Agent, Penn State University– Allegheny
County
Sources:
| Hahn, J. &
Kyhl, J. F. (2002). Yard & Garden.University of Minnesota.
http://www.extension.umn.edu/projects/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/e449plantbugs-ashhnylcst.html |
Honeylocust Plant
Bug. College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.
University of Illinois Extension.
http://www.ipm.uiuc.edu/landturf/insects/honeylocust_plant_bug/ |
| Hoover,
G.A. (2000). Woody Ornamental Insect, Mite, and Disease Management.
Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. pp.35. http://www.woodypestguide.cas.psu.edu |
Johnson,
W.T. & Lyon, H.H. (1976). Insects That Feed On Trees And
Shrubs, pp.404. Comstock Publishing Associates. Cornell University
Press. |
Nielsen, G. R.
(1998). Honeylocust Plant Bug. University of Vermont
Extension.
http://www.uvm.edu/extension/publications/el/el150.htm |
Skinnell,
B. & Townsend L. (1994). Plant Bugs and Lacebugs. University
of
Kentucky Department of Entomology. http://www.uky.edu/Agriculture/Entomology/entfacts/trees/ef419.htm |
