Identifying four lined plant bugs
This true bug measures a quarter-inch in length at maturity, and both looks and acts like a little speed demon. Four, black longitudinal “racing stripes” grace the otherwise electric yellow-green wing covers of the adults (see feature photo). And with the ability to scuttle beneath foliage in a flash, these little buggers are difficult to spot and nearly impossible to capture.
Four lined plant bugs overwinter as eggs inserted into plant stems. Tiny, reddish-orange and black, rounded nymphs (see picture below) hatch in early spring and pass through five growth stages over the course of four to six weeks. As the young nymphs feed, little damage is evident, but as they reach maturity, you’ll start to notice the distinctive pockmarks they leave behind. Damage from the adult bugs is usually spotted in late May through June and perhaps into early July.
Organic control of four lined plant bugs
Fortunately, the adults feed for only one month before “finding love”, laying eggs, and then biting the dust. There is only one generation per year. Because the feeding period of the four lined plant bug is so brief – and the damage is largely aesthetic – control measures are seldom warranted, though insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, and neem oil are moderately successful against them, especially if the product comes in direct contact with the nymphs.
In my own garden, I don’t bother trying to control four lined plant bugs with any products. I simply prune or pinch off spoiled plant growth in early July, when the insects are gone. This encourages the growth of new foliage that will remain unaffected by this insect for the rest of the season.
For more information about managing pests in your garden, without turning to synthetic pesticides, check out the following articles:
- Our Guide to Managing Vegetable Garden Pests
- Preventing Pest Outbreaks
- Tips for Identifying Garden Pests
Have you spotted four lined plant bugs in your garden? Tell us about it in the comment section below.
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