TARNISHED PLANT BUGS
Description:
Tarnished plant bug adults are bronze to dark brown fragile-looking insects, about 1/4 inch long, with white marks or lines behind the head and sometimes along the front wing. The back half of the front wing is membranous and held at a downward angle. The hind wing is membranous, and not visible unless the insect is flying, or you pull back the front wing.
Damage:
Nymphs are the more destructive stage. As they feed they inject a toxin into the plant tissue that stunts or otherwise deforms growth. These sleek insects move very quickly, and adults fly when disturbed. Adults and nymphs overwinter in weedy patches and organic debris, emerging in late spring to feed on young weeds and grasses before moving to favored crops. The tarnished plant bug causes injury to tree fruits when it feeds and lays eggs. Damage occurs primarily in the spring on flower buds, blossoms, and young fruit, although bleeding of sap may result from twig and shoot injury.
Prevention and Control:
As with so many pests, control begins with a tidy garden: Keep the garden area free of weeds, and remove organic debris from the garden at the end of the season. Encourage natural enemies such as ladybugs, spiders, parasitic wasps, birds, and toads.
