skip to main content

New bugs on passion flower vines

7 years ago

Can anyone identify these bugs (black bug near top of photo)? They have just arrived this week and are going to town on the passion flower vines, even more so than the caterpillars. They walk fairly fast and there appear to be a few dozen just within a day or two. I'm in Southern California.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

eloise_ca
7 years ago
Hard to see the bug, but search 'assassin bug'.
dbtothadb
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks, I actually don't think that's it. The assassin bug has a tiny head and an elongated body, with red outer markings. I'll try to get a better photo, but this one is shaped more round and flat.
Related Discussions
passion vine flowering????????????
Q
Comments (2)
A lot of plants take their blooming cues from light levels and temperatures. Even though you're in Florida, you're getting reduced hours of less intense sunlight. It's winter, after all, even if you're not freezing. My Lady Margaret is the only outside plant I have that's flowering, although my caerulea just aborted a bunch of buds. Bummer.
...See More
passion flower after mealy bugs
Q
Comments (2)
I had this problem before and the plant started recovering quite soon, within a couple of weeks. One thing to watch for is the return of the mealy bugs. I used Ortho Vlock Oil-based spray after hosing the bugs off. You will probably need to wash & spray every 4-5 for 2+ weeks to get all the eggs that may still be attached to the plant in hidden crannies.
...See More
non-blooming passion flower vine
Q
Comments (3)
Have you seen any of those shield bugs around? Or any other kinds of beetles? Some inject thier toxin into the flowers and it makes them fall off. Found a bunch in my bellotti last year. I was wondering why the buds kept dropping... You can spray them with soap oil spray or take a cup of soapy water out and knock the bugs into it.
...See More
Need help identifying bug eating my Passion Vine Leaves
Q
Comments (5)
Interestingly, my passion vines (P. edulis) don't have any caterpillars on them. However, my potato vines have so many on them, that most of the leaves are gone. To save the other vines growing nearby, I had to spray with some organic caterpillar/bug killer (got it from Home Depot). I hate caterpillars, and by extension, butterflies too. They almost defoliated my plum trees.
...See More
dbtothadb
Original Author
7 years ago
Update: whatever they were, they're gone now. Yesterday, they were migrating from the pot to the upper part of the plant. I sprayed neem oil at night, and the bugs are gone now. I don't know if they just migrated beyond the plant or away from the neem oil but they're gone now.
eloise_ca
7 years ago
Good for you. I had what was identified as assassin bugs on my blackberries, and they ended up disappearing within 2-3 days. I did spray the canes with water though.
dbarron
7 years ago
Assassin bugs are good guys though...they eat other insects.

Related Stories

FALL GARDENING 6 Deer-Resistant Flowering Vines to Plant This Fall

Have a major deer problem? Here are some of the only vines that have a chance of not being eaten

FLOWERS 5 Sensational Flowering Vines for Warm Climates

By Steve Asbell

Splash your garden with bright tropical color from late summer through fall with these showy trailing and climbing beauties

PINK FLOWERS Great Design Plant: Pink Trumpet Vine Heralds Vibrant Color

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Announce your landscape beautification efforts with this flowering vine that perks up hot, dry gardens

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Bid Bad Garden Bugs Goodbye and Usher In the Good

By Matt Kilburn

Give ants their marching orders and send mosquitoes moseying, while creating a garden that draws pollinators and helpful eaters

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Breezy and Bug-Free Modern Porches

Screening keeps pests out of these diverse porches across the U.S., while thoughtful designs keep them visually appealing

EXTERIORS Care and Training for a Vine-Covered Home

By Laura Gaskill

Love the look but don’t want the ruin? Learn how to have vine-draped walls without all the cracks and crumbling

SPRING GARDENING Spring Planting: Wonderful Wisteria

By Sheila Schmitz

Classic Vines Add Fragrance, Color and Romance to Garden Designs

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Passiflora Incarnata

By Ginny Stibolt

Enjoy the amazing flowers and edible fruit of U.S. native Passiflora incarnata (also known as maypop) — the butterflies sure do

GARDENING GUIDES Great Garden Ideas From the 2015 Chelsea Flower Show

By Debra Prinzing

Peruse inspiring plants, plant combinations and design ideas from London’s famed garden exhibition

PLANTING IDEAS Great Garden Combo: Rose + Clematis for Small-Space Impact

We all need somebody to lean on. And when a rose supports a climbing vine, the results can totally transform a small garden

Sponsored