Weird Pest on Lime tree (forum)

Lynn starts with ...
i have found these weird insects eating every leaf on my lime tree. They start small and green the body is flat,but as they mature they turn to yellow or orange and have small black dot on their back.They then turn totally blackish and are about the size of two thumbnails together. Does anyone know what they are, they have virtually eaten every leaf on the tree.Sorry have no picture at this time but black dot on back is very distinctive
Thanks

Time: 10th October 2011 7:06pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author Lynn2
Brisbane Qld
#UserID: 5948
Posts: 2
View All Lynn2's Edible Fruit Trees

Fruity Tootie says...
They aren't stink bugs are they?

Time: 10th October 2011 10:25pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author Fruitie Tootie
Sydney
#UserID: 5884
Posts: 34
View All Fruitie Tootie's Edible Fruit Trees

Mike says...
It sure sounds like a bug but they are suckers not chewers like beetles.I don't any bugs 'take out' lime leaves a few like the orange bronze bug and fruit spotting bug will attack fruit but prefer sweet citrus.Carnivorous bugs are your friends on citrus.Do the adults have wings and are they suckers or chewers?

Time: 11th October 2011 9:17pm

Reply | Edit | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author
Cairns
#UserID: 0
Posts:
View All 's Edible Fruit Trees

Roaming gnome says...
Hi Lynn
The bugs you are describing sound exactly like the bugs that are currently destroying my lime tree.
They are called bronze citrus beetle (or commonly known as stink bugs). They will suck the sap from your tree, does the trunk or branches have knobbly growths on it too?
You will need to kill them with white oil, insecticide or your preferred bug killing method - I've found normal cockroach spray works.
Good luck!

Time: 12th October 2011 6:14pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author Roaming gnome
Sydney
#UserID: 5964
Posts: 1
View All Roaming gnome's Edible Fruit Trees

Kathy says...
YES - definitely stink bugs - they go through a number of stages as they develop from tiny green bugs to yellow/orange when quite large to an even larger black version. And they do stink!
Once they are the orange size, they are easy to knock off your tree (use a brush or stick) into a bucket - and then you can kill them by drowning or squashing (wear gloves/goggles). Or you can knock each one to the ground, stand on it and squash it.
I've not dealt with them when they are smaller - but would love to -as they do destroy leaves and new fruit by sucking on the stems - so the leaves/flowers/fruit drop.
Here are some really great pictures of them - scroll to the bottom to see their various appearances as they grow: http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_stinkbugs/BronzeOrangeBugs.htm
Kathy


Time: 13th October 2011 7:19am

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
Original Post was last edited: 13th October 2011 7:25am

About the Author kathyturner
Malecy, Qld
#UserID: 5954
Posts: 43
View All kathyturner's Edible Fruit Trees

Lynn says...
Thank you everyone,that is exactly what they are. Hardy as well, used white oil on them, no effect. Used Pyrethrum spray, still kicking, had to spay twice. Just checked the tree still a couple of adults
hanging on after 2 sprays will need a 3rd.
This is the only fruit tree I have, and has been quite an eye opener for me.
Many Thanks to all have a great day.
Lynn


Time: 13th October 2011 8:29am

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author Lynn2
Brisbane Qld
#UserID: 5948
Posts: 2
View All Lynn2's Edible Fruit Trees