Lantana Beetle

20 years ago

Has anyone come across this beetle, it has arrived at my garden and is on the gesha girl and others that I don't know the name of. Have tried different sprays but still alive and well, someone said on a gardening programe to just use soapy water so will try that tomorrow.

I don't know how those who should know better can let a beetle out before testing it properly, it is said they only tested it on 60 plants, looks like the cane toad all over again, they have done no research into how to get rid of it if it becomes a pest which it is becoming.

Any hints would be appreciated.

Sue

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Comments (9)

Amelie
20 years ago
I have heard so much about this bug that I was going to ask if anyone had it in their garden.
Whereabouts in Qld do you live?
I hope that someone can help you (we all need to be prepared).
gardenlen
20 years ago
is there a pic of this beetle online or can someone describe it please?

len
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gillymore
Original Author
20 years ago
I am in Logan City and have it on a lot of plants, they say when the warmer weather comes it will go till then we have to watch it.
On the radio this morning they said treat it like any sucking beetle, I have sprayed with white oil which was one of the recommendations, I will let you know how I go.
It is very small actually it looks like a rose thorn on the stem, as I said small with a horn on its head thats what makes it look like a thorn, (weird)
Watch out for it, it leaves a black sticky mess.
The site to look up is the Queensland Natural Resources and Mine. The bug is called aconophora compressa a leaf hopper commonly called the lantana beetle. This last I got from this mornings Sunday mail.
Good Luck

Sue
Amelie
20 years ago
Sue, do you have just a few or are your plants covered in them (like the pictures they showed on TV)?
I'm wondering if you could pick them off by hand?
I usually do this with aphids etc, but I don't have too much of a problem, so this is usually easy for me.
gillymore
Original Author
20 years ago
Yes I have tried that Amelie but the trouble is they are in the Sheeners Gold and that can be quite prickly itself, there are really a lot there but the white oil seems to have worked so far (cross fingers)
I am just going to try the soapy water for a few weeks and see what happens.
Sue
Amelie
20 years ago
It's worthwhile everyone keeping their eyes open for this wonderful new pest!
moreton
20 years ago
Hi All, Aconophora it looks like a Rose thorn on the plants. Try this link for updates. Good luck. Peter r

Here is a link that might be useful: Look for Garden Pests Updates.
Amelie
20 years ago
That NR&M article sure is playing down the possible disastrous impact of our new pest friend. Not sure I believe the recent media reports either - What experiences have others had with this?
Amelie
20 years ago
This evening, I found some of these on one of my Geisha Girls. I cut back most of the plant and have put the cuttings in a bin liner.
I'm not very attached to this plant but it was still a nasty surprise, and quite worrying, to find this pest in my garden.
I will examine other plants tomorrow.
The NRM article (mentioned above) really tells us nothing, but they are investigating the best methods of control .... um ... shouldn't that have come before the pest was released?
It would be interesting to compile of list of the plants that this pest is affecting (and not just 'resting' on as the NRM says they do ... I'm a bit cynical about that one I must admit).
What plants have you found aconophora on .. so far ..?

Lantana Beetle

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Lantana Beetle

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