HONEYLOCUST PLANT
BUG
DESCRIPTION & LIFE CYCLE
Adults are approximately 3/16" long and are pale
green. Nymphs are smaller but similar to the adults in
color and have a distinct orange spot in the middle of
the abdomen. They feed on the tender new growth of
honeylocust and so closely resemble it in color that they
may be hard to detect.
Eggs, which overwinter in woody tissue, begin to hatch about late April in Pennsylvania or at the time of bud break on honeylocust. Nymphs go through five stages and begin to mature into adults in late May. They are most abundant during early June and begin to decline in numbers in late June, and disappear by early July. There is only one generation per season.
DAMAGE
Nymphs begin feeding just after bud break, or at the 
most susceptible period of the
tree's growth. Even when large numbers of nymphs are
present, they are often overlooked by the nurseryman or
homeowner because the bugs blend in with the color of the
new shoots. Nymphs cause considerable discoloration and
stunting of the new growth. This damage persists
throughout the growing season and may be blamed on some
other problem such as frost damage. In heavy
infestations, a tree may be completely defoliated.
Yellow-leaved varieties of honeylocust such as 'Sunburst'
are more heavily attacked than native trees or
green-leaved varieties such as 'Shademaster'.
CONTROL
Formulations of carbaryl (Sevin), cyfluthrin (Tempo) and
insecticidal soap (M-Pede, Insecticidal Soap, etc.) are
labeled for Honeylocust Plant Bug control. * Ideally,
controls should be directed against young nymphs 7 to 10
days after budbreak. Follow all label directions for
specific information on host plant label clearance,
phytotoxicity information, safety precautions and dosage
information.
* See Woody Ornamental Insect, Mite and Disease Management, The Pennsylvania State University (2005) for more details.
WARNING: Pesticides are poisonous. Read and follow directions and safety precautions on labels. Handle carefully and store in original labeled containers out of reach of children, pets and livestock. Dispose of empty containers right away , in a safe manner and place. Do not contaminate forage, streams or ponds.
For professional assistance
with tree and shrub problems,
contact Keystone Tree Experts at (215) 348-4444.
