The viburnum leaf beetle, an introduced species from Europe, was first identified in New York in 1996. Since then, the hungry beetles have spread to Maine, Vermont, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Viburnum leaf beetles (Pyrrhalta viburni) feed solely on viburnums, including our native arrowwood. Both the larvae (pictured here) and the adults feed on viburnum leaves. Repeated infestations can kill a viburnum shrub in 2-3 years.
Viburnum leaf beetle larvae
Photo: TC Conner, Freelance Writer and Photographer, http://thewritegardener.blogspot.com
Cornell University needs your help to track the spread of viburnum leaf beetle. As a citizen scientist on this project, you'll monitor gardens, parks, or school yards throughout the spring and summer, looking for viburnum leaf beetles. You can also look for VLB eggs in winter. If you find the beetle in any stage of its life cycle, simply report your find via an online form.
To learn more about viburnum leaf beetle and how to become a citizen scientist, visit Cornell's VLB Project website.
Comments